At 1545 Whitstable Lifeboat was diverted from a training exercise to assist an 18' speedboat which was reported in difficulties one mile off Herne Bay.

The lifeboat found the craft drifting, with engine failure. The engine had stopped after being swamped by a wave, which had also broken the vessel's windscreen.

The four occupants were brought aboard the lifeboat, and the craft taken in tow for Herne Bay harbour.

The boat, and its occupants, two of whom were suffering from the effects of cold, were landed ashore into the care of Herne Bay Coastguard.