The lifeboat launched to assist a 31' motor cruiser at anchor near the Pollard Spit Buoy, 2 miles NW of Whitstable. The anchor rope and chain had jammed in the winch, and the three elderly occupants were unable to free it in the choppy conditions. Two of them were also suffering from seasickness.

When the lifeboat arrived at the vessel, a crewman was put aboard, and a towline passed. The lifeboat then took the weight off the anchor rope, allowing it to be cleared from the winch, and the anchor and chain recovered aboard.

The craft then started making its own way into the Swale, escorted by the lifeboat. Once it was confirmed that all was  well, the lifeboat recovered its crewman, and returned to station.

Lifeboat crewmember Henry Thomson assists with the anchor. Click on picture to enlarge.