Newhaven Lifeboat find people cut off by the tide at Seven Sisters
The volunteer crew of Newhaven Lifeboat launched at the request of HM Coastguard following reports of numerous people being cut off by the tide below the Seven Sisters on Saturday 8 January 2022.
Lewis Arnold, Coxswain, says, ‘We were tasked by HM Coastguard to conduct a search for the reported casualties along the Seven Sisters to Belle Toute lighthouse.’
Shortly after their arrival on scene, the Lifeboat located three people cut off by the tide, who were unable to make their way to safety.
Lewis Arnold, Coxswain, says, ‘Due to the four metre wave height, the only option for safe extraction of the casualties was by helicopter.’
HM Coastguard rescue helicopter 163 winched the three casualties up to the helicopter. Newhaven Lifeboat stood by until all casualties were safely recovered before returning to the Station.
Lewis Arnold, Coxswain, says, ‘Tides rise quickly and can easily catch people out. If you’re planning a coastal walk or seaside activity, we strongly urge people to check the weather and tides before setting out.’
‘If you do get into difficulty or see anyone else in trouble in the water, please call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard, so that we can do our best to achieve a positive outcome as was witnessed today.’
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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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