The lifeboat launched to search for a 16' dinghy, with an outboard motor, known to have launched from Neptune Jetty, Herne Bay between 1830 on the 17th and 0700 on the 18th.

Coastguard teams from Sheppey and Herne Bay were also tasked to search from the shore.

The lifeboat searched through the Swale, between the mainland and the Isle of Sheppey, as far as  Kingsferry Bridge.

Thames Coastguard then requested the lifeboat to continue past Queenborough into the Medway, and then search around the outside of the island back towards Whitstable.

At 1939, with the lifeboat near the East Cant Buoy, it was reported that the missing dinghy and occupant had been found at Chatham, and the lifeboat was released to return to station