The lifeboat launched to a report of a man walking into the sea at Hampton.

When the lifeboat arrived on scene the man was standing waist-deep in the water, 40ft from the shore, talking to a member of Herne Bay Coastguard team. The lifeboat stood off at a discreet distance, with all lights extinguished, as the man was becoming agitated.

At around 0230 he was eventually coaxed from the water, and placed into the care of police and an ambulance who were waiting to assist.

The lifeboat then returned to station.