More specifically, the call reporting a possible man overboard, came in from a boat off Margate Harbour at around 5.41am.
A coastguard helicopter from Lydd, a coastguard rescue team from Margate, RNLI lifeboats from Ramsgate and Margate, a Kent police RHIB and a Royal Navy vessel were all involved in the search, which was carried out in very rough seas and challenging conditions.
At around 1pm, after many hours of searching, a body was found in the water by the RNLI Margate lifeboat and was brought to shore.