The lifeboat launched after the sailing barge "Greta" reported seeing an unmanned jetski underway between the windfarm and the Shivering Sand Towers.

As the lifeboat was proceeding, Herne Bay Coastguard found the owner of the jetski ashore at Hampton. He reported that he been brought ashore by another jetski after falling off, and that no one was missing.

As the lifeboat began to search for the missing jetski, an outward bound container ship near the Red Sand Towers reported having seen it heading towards Southend.

A short while later it was reported to have become entangled in the remains of the WW2 defence boom at Shoeburyness. Whitstable Lifeboat was therefore released to return to station, whilst Southend Inshore Lifeboat, which had just launched on exercise, was asked to try to retrieve the jetski.