Concern for person in the sea at Margate sparks search
Margate’s RNLI inshore lifeboat and local coastguards have carried out an intensive search after a person was reported in the sea at Margate.
UK Coastguard received a call from a member of the public around 5pm today (Wednesday 2 October) reporting a fully-clothed male entering the sea off Margate’s main sands. A fresh north-westerly wind resulted in confused sea conditions close inshore and concern for the persons safety.
Margate’s RNLI inshore lifeboat along with Margate Coastguard Rescue Team were immediately tasked and as it could not be definitely confirmed that the person had left the water a shoreline and inshore waters search was carried out between Margate harbour and Westbrook Bay to the west. Members of the RNLI shore crew also assisted with the shoreline search.
After the area had been covered extensively by the units involved the search was called off, the call being considered a false alarm with good intent.
Peter Barker, Deputy Launching Authority, Margate RNLI said: “This incident occurred during a spell of particularly unpleasant weather and we strongly urge people not to enter the water in such conditions. We are grateful to the first informant for calling this in and encourage the public to dial 999 and ask for coastguard if they see anything untoward at sea or on the shoreline.”
ENDS
RNLI Media contacts
· Peter Barker, RNLI Margate Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer 07974 064304 [email protected]
· Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer (SouthEast), 0207 6207416, 07786 668825 [email protected]
· For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
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