Complex rescue operation for north Kent lifeboats and coastguards

A member of the public contacted UK Coastguard around 1.30pm today (Wednesday 5 January) reporting being cut off by the tide at Bishopstone, between Reculver and Herne Bay, weather conditions were unpleasant with a fresh-northwesterly wind and moderate sea conditions. Margate and Whitstable RNLI B class lifeboats were tasked to assist along with Margate’s D class inshore lifeboat to provide various options should an evacuation by sea be required. Coastguard Rescue Teams (CRT) from Margate and Herne Bay were also tasked to provide shoreside assistance.

The person was located, isolated above the high-water mark by Whitstable lifeboat and after assessing the situation and options available CRT officers established they could descend to the beach and carry out a rope rescue to recover the person to the clifftop where his welfare was checked and was reported as being unhurt following his adventure. The lifeboats remained on scene during the rescue until the person was recovered by the coastguards whereafter all sea-borne units were released and returned to station.

On its return journey, Margate’s B class lifeboat was diverted to investigate a report of a small craft off Minnis Bay. After checking out the area it was considered the well-intentioned informant had mistaken one or both of Margate’s lifeboats for a craft possibly in difficulties.

Derek Amas, Lifeboat Operations Manager Margate RNLI said: “This was a complex rescue that demanded a professional assessment by the various rescue units both afloat and ashore. We urge people to plan ahead if they wish to enjoy a walk along the coastline. Local signage is often in place and tide times are freely available online including from the BBC.”

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

RNLI media contacts

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]

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.