Whilst already at sea on a training exercise, the lifeboat was requested by Thames Coastguard to proceed to Beltinge, following a 999 call reporting people in the water, and shouting for help.

Whilst en route the CG advised the lifeboat crew that there was now believed to be only one person involved, and they were now aboard a small white dinghy which was heading towards Herne Bay.

The lifeboat located the dinghy just off Herne Bay Harbour. The crew spoke to the skipper, who confirmed that he had been close inshore off Beltinge, hauling in lobster pots. He had experienced some difficulties in doing so, and had been shouting in frustration.

These shouts had then been heard by someone ashore, who had assumed he was shouting for assistance.

The lifeboat was therefore stood down, and continued with its training exercise.