Wells RNLI lifeboat assists multiple people cut off by tide
Saturday 21 June Wells RNLI’s inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox was tasked twice within the space of two hours to assist people cut off by the incoming tide at both Brancaster and Wells-next-the-Sea.
Wells RNLI inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox rapidly launched with a volunteer crew of three from the north slipway at 11:54am a quickly headed toward Brancaster.
Inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox arrived on scene at 12:10pm to find that most of the people had managed to wade back to safety. Hunstanton RNLI hovercraft assisted 10 people and transferred them safely to shore. The Wells crew checked on the safety of two people on the north side of Scolt Head Island, who opted to remain there. Wells RNLI lifeboat crew offered water safety advise.
With no further people in immediate danger, Wells inshore lifeboat was stood down at 12:20pm and began the return to Wells. Hunstanton hovercraft conducted a final sweep of the area before returning to station.
At 12:24pm,Wells inshore lifeboat was on route back to Wells , Humber Coastguard re-tasked the crew following a report from the Wells NCI (National Coast watch Institution) team that multiple people were now cut off by the tide on the sandbank on the western side of Wells beach.
Wells inshore lifeboat arrived on scene at 12:40pm and began systematically clearing the area of people in danger. The lifeboat crew safely assisted seven adults, three children and two dogs from the quickly diminishing sandbank back to shore.
Mandy Humphreys, Wells RNLI Water Safety Officer, said: 'Please always check the tide times and make sure you’re heading back to main beach at least four hours before high tide. The tide comes in quickly and can cut you off without warning.
Mandy continued 'Getting cut off by the tide can be very dangerous. Anyone who becomes cut off should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, and try to stay dry and calm until help arrives. Wading through water, especially over marshes or sandbars, can be extremely hazardous, with rapidly changing depths posing a serious drowning risk.'
By 1:10pm, all were confirmed safe, and the inshore lifeboat was stood down by HM Coastguard. Inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox arrived back at the station at 1:15pm, where it was washed down, refuelled, rehoused, and ready again for service by 2:00pm.
RNLI Media contacts
Jess Curtis, RNLI and Regional Engagements North and East, Lifeboat Press Officer at Wells: Tel 07483488243 Email: [email protected] contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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