Walkers and their dogs ferried to safety from the tide by RNLI Wells Lifeboat

The couple had been enjoying the beautiful weather with their dogs and had decided to walk along Holkham beach. They crossed Overy harbour when the tide was out and then walked on towards Scolt Head Island. By the time they had realised that the rising tide had come in behind them, they were cut off from the mainland.

The crew of three launched outside the boathouse on high water and proceeded out of Wells Harbour towards Burnham Overy. The lifeboat arrived on scene at 1.23pm where they found the couple and their dogs. They did not require any medical assistance, so at 1.25pm the casualties were helped onboard the lifeboat. The group were ferried across Overy harbour channel and back to the safety of Holkham Beach at 1.40pm, where they were met by the local Coastguard team.

The inshore lifeboat then departed and returned to Wells Harbour, arriving safely back at the boathouse at 1.52pm. The lifeboat was sanitised, rehoused, refuelled and back on service again at 2.15pm.

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.

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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.