Lyme Regis RNLI volunteers launch to walkers cut off by the tide

The crew launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne at 11:45am and arrived on scene five minutes later. They quickly located the four adult casualties on the beach and consulted with members of the Lyme Regis Coastguard Rescue Team on the best means of helping them to safety.

In view of the strong wind and rough sea conditions an extraction by lifeboat was not possible so the decision was made to walk the casualties out along the beach escorted by Coastguards and RNLI crew. One RNLI volunteer made his way ashore to assist in this operation. Three Coastguard Rescue Officers and the RNLI crewmember escorted the casualties one at a time through the waves to the safety of the Lyme Regis eastern sea wall.

Lifeboat volunteer Tom Crabbe who went ashore to assist the casualties said: ‘This was another great example of how we work closely with our local Coastguard team. From the lifeboat we were able to spot the casualties in a location which may not have been visible from sea wall. We needed to get them off the beach quickly as the tide was still rising. As it was, they needed to wade through over a metre of water.’

Once all casualties were safely ashore the RNLI crew returned to Lyme Regis harbour at 12:46pm where the lifeboat was washed down and refuelled by volunteer shore crew in preparation for its next service call. This was the 28th shout for the Lyme Regis volunteers this year.

A spokesman for the Lyme Regis RNLI water safety team said: ‘There are numerous places, both to the east and west of Lyme Regis, where it possible to become cut off by the tide. Rough weather increases the risk. If you are considering a walk, please plan your route carefully and make sure you understand the tide times and the weather forecast. Never be tempted to climb any rockfalls or mud slips as these are unstable and very dangerous.

Ends

Notes to editors:

Photo Captions:

1. Lyme Regis RNLI Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne at sea. Credit RNLI/Nick Marks

2. , 3 , 4. Casualties being walked to safety along the beach. Photo credit: Lyme Regis Coastguard Rescue Team.

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Nick Marks, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station on 07568 187582 or [email protected]. or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected], or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.