Hunstanton RNLI hovercraft launched to assist dog walker cut off by the tide
On Monday 21 June at 2.45pm the UK Coastguard requested the launch of Hunstanton RNLI hovercraft to assist a woman out walking with five dogs who had been cut off by the tide at Titchwell Marsh.
On arrival at Titchwell Marsh the volunteer RNLI crew liaised with the local Coastguard Rescue Team and were informed that the woman and the dogs were with them, and she was no longer in any danger.
The woman had crossed over the channel and, being unfamiliar with the area, had been cut off by the rising tide.
As the hovercraft had reached the area it was decided to evacuate her and the dogs back to Brancaster, where was landed safely on the beach by the clubhouse.
The RNLI Respect The Water campaign warns people that the waters around the coastline can be dangerously unpredictable.
Robin Rafferty, Hunstanton RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: 'We recommend people always check the weather and tide times. At low tide you can walk across the channel here but they quickly flood as the tide returns. We encourage people to read the safety signs and be aware of local hazards. Always carry a means of calling for help. And, if you see someone in danger dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard who will page the RNLI if someone is in distress and needs the RNLI's help.'
RNLI media contacts
- Geoff Needham, Lifeboat Press Officer, Hunstanton RNLI, 01485 525409 (home), 07932 026265 (mobile)
- Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East) on 0207 6207426, 07785 296252 [email protected]
- Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East), on 0207 6207416, 07786 668825,
- 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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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