Ilfracombe RNLI launches to two people cut off by tide
The RNLI Ilfracombe D class inshore lifeboat Deborah Brown III was launched at 10.35 a.m. on Sunday 18 July following a 999 call to the Coastguard from two people who were cut off by the rising tide at Woody Bay.
The volunteer crew made best speed in clear sunny weather, with little swell and arrived on scene just 20 minutes later, to find two women stranded on the beach. The women, who were holidaying in the area, had been walking around the coastline when the tide started coming in, and they quickly found themselves cut off. The women had a mobile phone with them and were able to call the Coastguard to ask for help.
The lifeboat crew went ashore with lifejackets and checked the women were unharmed. The women were then assisted into the lifeboat. The crew then took the two women to the path leading up the hill, away from the beach where they were met by the Coastguard. The lifeboat then returned to station to be cleaned and made ready for the next service.
RNLI Volunteer Helm Leigh Hanks says: ‘the tide around the North Devon coastline can come in very quickly and catch people out. Fortunately, today no one was hurt, however we would urge people to check the tide timetables before walking along the shoreline. We would always recommend that people carry a means of calling for help and if they get into difficulties dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
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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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