Thames Coastguard requested the lifeboat to launch following a report of a small boat with two people on board tied to Herne Bay Pier Head. This structure is half a mile offshore and separated from the rest of the pier and, as it was getting dark, there was concern for the occupants' safety.

When the lifeboat arrived the two men explained that they were fishing, and were waiting for the tide to rise sufficiently for them to return to Herne Bay Harbour. This information was passed to Thames CG, and the lifeboat returned to station.