Wells RNLI rescues seven people cut off by tide near harbour entrance

Humber Coastguard paged the Wells duty Launch Authority at 11.25am to request the launch, after three adults and four children were reported to be surrounded by water.

Wells RNLI inshore lifeboat was paged at 11.27am and launched from the boathouse slipway at 11.40am with a volunteer crew of three on board.

Three volunteer crew proceeded towards the casualties and arrived on scene at 11.44am, where they found the group standing on a sandbank, completely surrounded by deep water.

All seven casualties were taken aboard the inshore lifeboat and returned safely to the main beach. All were well and no further assistance was required.

Wells RNLI inshore lifeboat returned to the boathouse and came ashore at 11.53am. It was refuelled and rehoused, ready for service, by 12.14pm.

Wells RNLI Water Safety Officer, Mandy Humphreys, said: ‘We want people to enjoy our beautiful coastline, but the tide at Wells can come in very quickly and the landscape changes all the time.

‘Sandbanks and channels can look safe one moment and become surrounded by deep water the next. It can catch out anyone, even those who know the area well.

‘Please check tide times before heading out, return to dry sand or land at least four hours before Wells Bar high tide, and if you see anyone in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

‘We never judge anyone who needs our help. We simply want everyone to enjoy the coast safely and go home safely.’

The launch came during a busy day on the coast, with large numbers of visitors making the most of the warm weather.

Chris Hardy, Wells RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘When our volunteer crew’s pagers go off, they leave their homes, workplaces and families to get to the lifeboat station as quickly and safely as possible.

‘Today, our crew experienced difficulties parking when responding to this shout. The restricted parking near the lifeboat station is clearly marked for RNLI crew and emergency access, and it is vital that these spaces are kept clear.

‘We fully understand that Wells is extremely busy in good weather and we want everyone to enjoy their time at the coast. But in an emergency, every minute matters, and our crew need to be able to access the station without delay.

‘We would ask visitors to please respect the crew parking restrictions and to respect Holkham staff when they are enforcing them on our behalf. They are helping to make sure our lifesaving volunteers can reach the lifeboats when they are needed.

‘We are very grateful to the car park team at Holkham for how they handled today’s situation and for the ongoing support they give to Wells RNLI.’

Notes to editors

Wells RNLI’s inshore lifeboat Peter Wilcox was launched with three volunteer crew on board.

The launch was authorised by the duty Launch Authority following a request from Humber Coastguard.

RNLI advice for anyone visiting the coast:

Check tide times before setting out.

Be aware that sandbanks, channels and water depths can change quickly.

At Wells, return to dry sand or land at least four hours before Wells Bar high tide.

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Jess Curtis, Wells RNLI Volunteer Press Officer [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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