RNLI Wells Lifeboat assists young family and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service
RNLI Wells lifeboat crew were tasked by HM Coastguard at 3.47pm on Friday 26 August, to assist a family who were cut off by the incoming tide on Scolt Head Island, then tasked to assist the Norfolk Fire and Rescue service who were attending a fire in the same vicinity.
RNLI Wells inshore lifeboat left the lifeboat house at 4pm and was carried by the tractor and trailer to the low water launch location in Holkham Bay. It launched at 4.14pm and proceeded to Scolt Head Island.
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 4.38pm and found the two adults and child who were on a sand bar trapped by the rising tide; they were uninjured and quickly brought into the lifeboat. They were taken to the other side of Brancaster channel where they were put safely ashore.
At 4.40pm, with the D-class lifeboat still at Scolt Head, another task was received from HM Coastguard to assist Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service who were attending a fire in the same area caused by a disposable BBQ.
After completing the requested task, the inshore lifeboat crew remained on scene to ensure the safety of the extra fire personnel, who were being transported by private boats from Brancaster to Scolt Head Island.
At 7.15pm, with the fire distinguished and fire service personnel safely ashore at Brancaster Head, the inshore lifeboat was stood down and returned to the lifeboat house.
At 7.45pm lifeboat was recovered, rehoused, refuelled and ready for service again at 8pm.
Greg Hewitt, Deputy Launching Authority, said ‘both incidents could have been avoided today. Knowing the tide times is essential when out on our coastline. People need to be back on the mainland four hours before high tide otherwise there is a severe danger of being cut off as this family were today. Fortunately, the Coastguard was contacted, and we were able to reach them in good time.’
Key facts about the RNLI
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.