Lifeboat launches to person cut off by rising tide

Walmer's inshore lifeboat Duggie Rodbard II launched at 5.09pm yesterday afternoon, 30 May, to a person, one of a group of friends, on the rocks and cut off by the rising tide at Ness Point near St Margaret's after venturing towards Dover under the cliffs.

On reaching the scene the lifeboat, with crew suitably dressed in appropriate PPE following current RNLI guidance, was nosed up between the rocks enabling the casualty to jump on board. A survivor's lifejacket was placed on the casualty and he was asked health questions regarding Coronavirus. As he was seen to be cold he was suitably protected by the crew against a freshening north-easterly wind and an ambulance was requested via the Coastguard.

The lifeboat took the casualty to St Margaret's Bay where he and his group were given safety advice before being handed over to Deal Coastguard to await the ambulance.

Helm Dan Sinclair said: 'We would always encourage people walking along the coast to check local weather conditions and tide times and if you see someone in trouble call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'

The boat returned to station at 6.05pm where it was thoroughly sanitised before being returned to service.

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• Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station 01304 374475, 07906 623037 [email protected]

· Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East) on 0207 620 7426, 07785 296252, [email protected]

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