Thames Coastguard requested the lifeboat to launch to assist a windsurfer reported in difficulties half a mile off Seasalter. The first informant was another windsurfer, who had been sailing with the casualty, but had come back ashore to raise the alarm.

When the lifeboat arrived on scene a windsurfer was seen walking his rig ashore near to the Sportsman pub. A crewman was put ashore to speak to him, and confirmed that this was the casualty. He had been washed ashore by the wind and waves, although he had been in the water for approximately thirty minutes, and was slightly cold.

The lifeboat then recovered the crewman, and returned to station, leaving the casualty with the North Kent Coastguard Sector Manager and Herne Bay Coastguard.