RNLI Wells lifeboat rescues walkers cut off from the tide on Stiffkey Saltmarsh
Wells inshore lifeboat, Peter Wilcox, was tasked by HM Coastguard at 7.04pm on Easter Sunday, to assist two people and their dog cut off by the incoming tide on the marshes at Stiffkey.
The volunteer lifeboat crew launched at 7.15pm just before high tide from the lifeboat station. The crew of three proceeded out of the harbour and then to the east towards the creeks at Stiffkey.
Information received from the local coastguard was that the two people had been sighted from the adjacent shore, using the what3words app to locate them.
The D class lifeboat arrived in the area and navigated its way through the creek system, guided by the coastguard team. They quickly identified the stranded people and their dog, arriving on scene at 7.36pm.
The two people in difficulties did not require any medical assistance, and at 7.38pm they were ferried on-board the lifeboat across the creek with their dog, where they were met by the local coastguard team at 7.40pm.
The inshore lifeboat then returned to Wells Harbour, arriving safely back at the boathouse at 7.57pm. The lifeboat was then sanitised, rehoused, and refuelled, ready for service again at 8.30pm.
Lifeboat Operations Manager, Chris Hardy, said ‘I am pleased that this incident ended well, and it was extremely helpful that the couple used what3words so that they could be located quickly. However, I cannot stress enough how important it is for walkers to check the tide times so that they don’t find themselves cut off by the tide. People enjoying a walk on the marsh or along the beach should always ensure they are back on the mainland at least 4 hours before high tide to avoid being cut off.’
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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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