Margate RNLI responds to swimmers in difficulties off north Kent coast

UK Coastguard received multiple reports around 5.30pm today (Sunday 2 July) from members of the public stating two people were in difficulties in the sea off St Mildred’s Bay, Westgate with RNLI lifeguards attempting a rescue. Margate’s D class inshore lifeboat was tasked along with Margate and Herne Bay Coastguard Rescue Teams.

The Margate coastguard team established that RNLI lifeguards at St Mildred’s Bay had gone to the assistance of the casualties and together with further assistance from the RNLI Lifeguard Rescue Water Craft from Margate Main Sands had recovered the two persons to the safety of shore.

While attending the incident the inshore lifeboat was diverted to an abandoned kite surfing rig off Westbrook Bay, spotted by personnel at the lifeboat station. The rig was recovered by the lifeboat and returned to Margate, UK Coastguard confirming that they had been informed earlier in the day that it had been abandoned with the occupant safe ashore.

Derek Amas, Lifeboat Operations Manager, Margate RNLI said: “It was a relief that the original call had a happy ending but the important aspect of the abandoned rig incident was that the owner notified the coastguard that everyone was safe. Without this information the drifting rig would possibly have been spotted by vessels further offshore leading to a lengthy and anxious multi-agency search probably stretching into the night. We encourage the public to pass on such information to the coastguard and of course use the 999 system in the case of coastal emergencies.”

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

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