Dover RNLI and Coastguard helicopter respond to reports of person in the water

Dover RNLI’s Severn class lifeboat, The City of London II, was the first search and rescue unit on scene by approximately 9.15pm.

Coxswain James Clapham said: 'We immediately used six parachute flares to illuminate the inshore area offshore from Sunny Sands. The low tide made it difficult for us to get in close.'

Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) were already on scene searching the shoreline, joined by South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAMBS) and Folkestone Coastguard Rescue team.

Illumination from the flares and the use of KFRS thermal imaging equipment assisted the shore side services to locate the casualty and bring her to safety. 
 
Dover RNLI and HM Rescue 163 helicopter remained on scene until the casualty was confirmed to be stable and within the care of SECAMB.

James Clapham also said: 'Searches are much more challenging during darkness; we would urge people to be careful if they are deliberately entering the water beyond daylight hours and remember to Respect the Water'.

Notes to editors

• The MCA Media team can be contacted regarding their involvement and footage from the helicopter’s on board cameras can be requested.
• SECAMB, Kent Police, KFRS to be contacted for further information on their involvement.

RNLI media contacts

• Ed Baker, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer
07716799673, [email protected]
• Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/South East/East)
0207 6207426 / 07785 296252 / [email protected] 
• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

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