Thanet lifeboats respond to 50 people cut off by the tide

RNLI lifeguards at Botany Bay notified UK Coastguard that they had received information of up to 50 people cut off by the tide in the Kingsgate, Botany Bay area, it was around two hours before high tide.

The coastguard initiated a major response launching Margate RNLI inshore lifeboat with the all-weather lifeboat placed at immediate readiness. Both the inshore and all-weather lifeboats from Ramsgate responded and Margate Coastguard Rescue Team were also tasked. RNLI lifeguards were also involved in the operation.

Margate and Ramsgate’s inshore lifeboats were able to land in an isolated bay between Botany Bay and Kingsgate Bay and it was established that 37 people were indeed in effect cut off by the tide. The lifeboat crews spoke to and checked the welfare of all those in the bay and established they were content to remain there until the tide dropped sufficiently to allow their safe passage back to the main bays.

Once confirming there were no medical requirements the rescue units were stood down.

Peter Barker, Deputy Launching Authority, Margate Lifeboat said: “This is the second similar call in two days. People need to understand that while they may have an area where they can sit out the high tide they will face problems if they need to leave the bay urgently for medical reasons or choose to return home earlier than planned. It is not unknown for people to attempt to round the headlands in what may be deep water with hidden gullies. Warnings signs are put in place by the lifeguards and we strongly urge everyone to keep to those bays that have clear access to the world outside.

ENDS

RNLI Media contacts

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

• Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer (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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