Thames Coastguard requested the lifeboat to launch to assist the 32' Whitstable fishing vessel Jacqueline, broken down a mile NW of the Princes No.5 buoy, approximately 10 miles NE of Whitstable. Due to the distance involved, Sheerness Lifeboat was also requested to launch.

Whitstable Lifeboat arrived at the casualty at 1814, placed a crewman aboard, and started the tow towards Whitstable. Sheerness Lifeboat arrived at 1855 and took over the tow SE of the windfarm.

Around half a mile off Whitstable Harbour, due to the very low tide, Whitstable Lifeboat again took over the tow,  this time alongside. The Jacqueline was placed on a buoy, arrangements having been made for another fishing vessel to tow her into the harbour when the tide had risen sufficiently.

The lifeboat then took the skipper aboard, and returned to the carriage.

Click on photos to enlarge:

Whitstable lifeboat with the Jacqueline in tow. 

(Photo courtesy of Sheerness Lifeboat)