2nd June 1999 1732hrs - The lifeboat had just returned to her berth following a service to dog that had fallen from cliffs, when Dover Coastguard requested assistance for a yacht in difficulties 9.5 miles to the east of Dover. Within 10 minutes the lifeboat was en route to the casualty under the command of Coxswain Dave Pascall. The vessel ‘Shardana' was an 8 metre catamaran with three men aboard. She had engine failure and a fouled propeller. All the time the weather was worsening with a very strong south westerly wind whipping up a rough sea with waves up to 4 metres high. The lifeboat reached the casualty at 1812hrs and passed a towline to the catamaran. The lifeboat then began to slowly tow the vessel towards Dover but all the time the wind and tide were pushing them towards the Goodwin Sands .

The situation became much more serious when the catamaran suddenly started taking on water though a damaged bulkhead. Coxswain Pascall decided it was time to take the men off the catamaran. 'Shardana' was hauled alongside the lifeboat and the three men pulled onto the lifeboat. As this was happening it could be seen that the starboard hull of the vessel was filling with water. Unfortunately even after towing the yacht stern first, she couldn't be saved and capsized shortly after being cut loose from the lifeboat.

this entire service was filmed by a television crew from Lion Television, who were making a programme for the Discovery Channel. This service provided the finale to the episode based on the Dover Lifeboat. Later Coxswain Pascall and all the members of the crew received 'Letters of Appreciation' from the Director of the RNLI. A letter of thanks was also received from one of the Shardana's crew.