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Hunstanton RNLI hovercraft rescues two people and dog cut off by tide on marshes

Lifeboats News Release

A hovercraft was launched from a Norfolk lifeboat station to rescue two people and a dog who were cut of on tidal marshes as night fell.

RNLI/Chris Bishop

RNLI hovercraft John Russell was launched from Hunstanton
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The volunteer crew from Hunstanton RNLI set out after the alarm was raised by HM Coastguard at 6:20pm on Monday, 16 October.

Hovercraft John Russell made good progress against a flooding tide despite choppy seas and was on scene between Thornham and Titchwell within 40 minutes.

Two people and a dog were picked up by the crew and taken to Thornham Harbour, where they were handed over to HM Coastguard.

Both were described as uninjured but cold.

The hovercraft then returned to station, where it was washed down, refuelled and prepared for service.

Notes for editor

Hunstanton is one of just four stations around the UK coastline which operate a hovercraft.

Since the first craft became operational in 2003, they have launched more than 250 times, saved 13 lives and assisted a further 150 people.

Picture of hovercraft John Russell which was used in the rescue attached - please credit RNLI/Chris Bishop.

This is a relief craft on loan from the RNLI to maintain 24/7 search and rescue cover at the station while the Hunstanton Flyer is undergoing maintenance.

RNLI media contacts

For more information call Chris Bishop, Hunstanton RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07584 147219 or Clare Hopps, Regional Media Officer on 07824 518641.

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, Twitter 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.

About the author

Chris Bishop
Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, Hunstanton

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