Thames Coastguard requested Whitstable Lifeboat to launch after receiving a report of a single red flare, sighted north of Sittingbourne.

The lifeboat searched through the Swale, as far as Kingferry Bridge, whilst Sheppey Coastguard kept a lookout from the shore.

After searching for almost two hours, with nothing untoward having been found, the lifeboat was released to return to station.