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Gravesend RNLI assists a group of people cut off by the tide

Lifeboats News Release

A group of four people were rescued by the Gravesend RNLI lifeboat crew after becoming cut off by the rising tide at Southend-on-Sea yesterday (Thursday 28 August).

An orange lifeboat is central, viewed from above, in dark waters. The lifeboat has four crew in white helmets, yellow drysuits, and red lifejackets. There is wash coming from the back of the boat.

RNLI/Martin Fish

Gravesend's B-827, Olive Laura Deare II, an Atlantic 85 lifeboat, in the River Thames

Three groups of people were reported as being in need of assistance, with the tide rising to cut them off from the shore. Gravesend lifeboat Olive Laura Deare II was launched by the crew at around 3:30pm. Thames Commander, Connor Edwards, said:

‘As we arrived on scene, two of the three groups had managed to get themselves to safety on foot. We were supported by HM Coastguard Southend and HM Coastguard Canvey to rescue the group who were being cut off by the tide, and we carefully navigated shallow waters to do so. Two lifeboat crew members were put onto the sand bar to assist the group onto the lifeboat, who were taken safely ashore and into the care of HM Coastguard.’

Thames Commander Andy Colley, who was recently awarded his 20-year Long Service Medal for his commitment to the charity, was on the crew as a Navigator during the rescue. He added:

'This was a critical service, as we were racing against the rising tide. Fortunately, we were able to rescue the group just as the sand bar they were on was being covered by the tide, and they were having to wade through the water. Our advice to those enjoying the coast is always to be aware of tide, weather and other local conditions. Should you find yourself in trouble or see someone else in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'

The lifeboat was back at station and ready for service at 5:15pm.

Notes to Editor

Gravesend is one of the RNLI’s newest lifeboat stations and one of four lifeboat stations operating on the River Thames – the first stations to specifically cover a river rather than estuarial waters or the sea.

Our lifeboat is Olive Laura Deare II, an Atlantic 85 B class inshore lifeboat, which is one of the fastest types in the fleet.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Helena Lane, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Gravesend RNLI on 07809 683883 or email [email protected]

Regional Communications Manager – SE & London, RNLI 07724 801305 or email [email protected]

Julie Rainey, Regional Media Manager (South East), on 07827 358 256 or email [email protected]

RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789 or email [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.

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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.