Two people rescued from the sea by Margate RNLI
Margate’s volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew have been involved in a dramatic rescue where two people were dragged from the sea in a multi-agency rescue operation off the north Kent coast.
UK Coastguard received a call shortly after 10am today reporting a female in distress in the sea off Reculver Towers around seven miles to the west of the lifeboat station at Margate.
Margate’s RNLI inshore lifeboat was tasked to provide urgent assistance, also responding to the incident were: Whitstable RNLI lifeboat; HM Coastguard rescue helicopter from Lydd Airport; coastguard rescue teams from Margate and Herne Bay; Kent Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service.
Margate’s inshore lifeboat quickly located the female along with a male who had entered the sea to assist between Minnis Bay and Reculver. The lifeboat crew faced a confusing situation and two of the crew entered the water to assist in supporting the pair. After some effort the two casualties were pulled ashore and clear of the water where casualty care was commenced. They were assisted by the paramedic from the coastguard helicopter, and the two casualties were handed into the care of the shore-based ambulance team, coastguard rescue teams and Kent Police.
Nick Smith, Deputy Launching Authority, Margate lifeboat station said: “This was a particularly tricky and prolonged rescue operation for the lifeboat crew and far from straightforward requiring specialist skills to ensure the lives of these two people could be saved. If you see anyone in difficulties at sea or on the shoreline dial 999 and ask for coastguard.
ENDS
RNLI Media contacts
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Peter Barker, RNLI Margate Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer 07974 064304 [email protected]
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Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer (South East), 0207 6207426, 07785 296252 [email protected]
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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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