Margate RNLI lifeboat rescues person cut off by rising tide at Birchington

HM Coastguard received a report around 6pm yesterday (Friday 23 May) of an adult male cut off by the tide at Epple Bay, Birchington, it was around three hours before high water on a quickly rising tide.

Margate RNLI’s B class lifeboat along with Coastguard Rescue Teams from Margate and Herne Bay were tasked to assist, the rescue units quickly arriving on scene. Two coastguard officers wearing drysuits and lifejackets were able to gain access to the casualty’s location and reassure him while a safe rescue plan could be developed.

With the tide rising rapidly, evacuation of the casualty around the adjacent headlands was considered too dangerous and in conditions described as ‘treacherous’ all three persons were taken on board the lifeboat and extracted by sea.

Sea conditions and the rising tidal height ruled out a landing in the nearby bays so the three persons; casualty and two coastguard officers were taken back to Margate harbour. After being warmed up and checked for any medical issues at the lifeboat station the casualty was handed into the care of coastguard officers.

Christian Wright, Launch Authority, Margate RNLI said: “The person done exactly the right thing in dialling 999 and talking to the coastguard as soon as he realised the seriousness of his situation,

“If people are planning a walk along the foreshore we urge them to check the state of the tide beforehand and let someone ashore know where they are going and their expected time of return. Tidal information is available online, including the BBC or from RNLI lifeguards on manned beaches during daytime.”

Notes to editors

· Margate lifeboat station has been operating since 1860. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/margate-lifeboat-station

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