RNLI Wells lifeboat assist group cut off by the channel in hours of darkness
On Monday 19 July at 10.35pm, HM Coastguard paged Wells D Class lifeboat for the second time that day, to assist three people who had found themselves on the wrong side of the harbour channel on Bob Hall Sands as darkness fell.
The lifeboat crew were placed on immediate readiness for the second time in one day and, on arriving at the boathouse, they quickly identified the party on Bob Hall sands opposite the Coastwatch look-out, shining the lights on their mobile phones.
The inshore lifeboat launched in the harbour channel at 10.48pm and proceeded to seaward down the harbour channel. They were on scene with the casualties at 10.53pm.
Having ascertained that they were not in need of medical assistance, the three people were brought onboard the inshore lifeboat and ferried to the beach in front of the boathouse where they were met by the Wells Coastguard team.
The inshore lifeboat then returned to station and was ashore at 10.57pm. It was re-housed and ready again for service at 11.20pm
RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Chris Hardy, said: 'when spending your time by the sea, plan your day and be aware of the tide times. Tell others what your plans are and when you are intending to return, and ensure that you are safely back well before nightfall. Always carry a means of communication, preferably with a light, so that you can be spotted by others if you get into difficulties.’
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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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