Multi-agency search for missing swimmer off Margate

UK Coastguard received information at around 3am today (Saturday 11 September) reporting a missing female swimmer off Margate’s main sands. A major search was launched involving Margate’s D class and B class RNLI lifeboats; the coastguard rescue helicopter from Lydd Airport; Margate and Herne Bay coastguard rescue teams; Kent Police and Kent Fire & Rescue Service.

The search covered Margate harbour and Nayland Rock areas including the boating and swimming pools, also further to the east allowing for tidal drift. Visual, illuminant flares and electronic aids including FLIR were used in the search. Around three hours in to the search two members of Margate RNLI’s shore crew discovered the body of a women in the harbour as the water drained on the ebbing tide. South East Coast Ambulance Service along with coastguard officers and Kent Police attended and she was declared deceased at the scene. The search was called off and all units returned to station.

We pass on our deep condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

ENDS

Notes to editors

· Margate lifeboat station has been operating since 1860. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/margate-lifeboat-station

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For more information please contact:

· Peter Barker, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07974 064304 or [email protected]

· Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer (South East) on 0207 6207416, 07786 668825 or [email protected]

· RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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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 142,700 lives.

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