Multi-agency operation rescues fishermen at Margate

The alarm was raised late last night (Saturday 27 May) when emergency services were alerted to a number of people in difficulties on the end of the rocks at Walpole Bay Cliftonville.

Margate’s RNLI inshore lifeboat was tasked and joined other emergency services including: the coastguard rescue helicopter from Lydd Airport, coastguard rescue teams from Margate and Herne Bay, Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS), South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAMS) and Kent Police.

The lifeboat made contact with members of KFRS who had located two male fishermen who were in difficulties in the water at the end of the rocks. The casualties were taken on board the lifeboat and quickly transferred back to the lifeboat launching site where they were met by lifeboat crew and handed into the care of paramedics from SECAMS.

There was some confusion around the number of potential casualties involved and the search was stepped-up including the launching of Margate’s RNLI all-weather lifeboat. Shortly after it was established there were in fact only two people involved and the search units were stood down.

Peter Barker Margate lifeboat volunteer press officer said: ‘It was suggested these two persons may have been ‘crabbing’ on the edge of the rocks in the dark. The rocks on Thanet’s coastline include deep gullies which can be treacherous and difficult to see when wading through shallow water, especially in the dark. We urge people to avoid venturing too far out to sea on the rocks and then only when wearing a suitable lifejacket and carrying means of attracting attention.’

Footnote. The condition of the two casualties was unknown at the time of writing.

ENDS

RNLI Media contacts

• Peter Barker, RNLI Margate Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer 07974 064304 [email protected]

• Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East) 0207 6207426, 07785 296252 [email protected]

• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

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