Walton and Frinton RNLI rescue two people cut off by the tide while fishing.

At 12:26pm on Saturday 28 September 2019, Dover coastguard requested the launch of the Walton and Frinton Lifeboat to the reports of two males cut off by the tide, while fishing, on the end of a break water after receiving multiple 999 calls.

While the crew were preparing to launch and given the close proximity to the launching ramp the stations boarding boat was utilised to approach the casualties and retrieve them from the break water. With moderate seas and high tide the casualties were being swamped with waves while trying to hold on to the navigational mark.

With the boarding boat in position the casualties where taken from the breakwater and safely landed back at the beach to their waiting families. The crew recovered the boarding boat and prepared for the next service call.

Dale Steggles, crew member at Walton and Frinton Lifeboat station commented "We urge the public to consider the wind and tide before making decisions when involving the sea. This weekend the tides were large spring tides, being higher than usual coupled with the wind could have made for a very different outcome for the two individuals. Thankfully a number of 999 calls received from the public meant we were able to ensure they got back home safely to their families".

Notes to Editor:

Please credit the bystander footage to Darren Murphy

RNLI Media contacts

For more information please telephone Miranda Rayner, Walton and Frinton RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799691852 or [email protected]

Or Dale Steggles, Walton and Frinton RNLI Deputy Press Officer on 07540802302 or [email protected]

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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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