Margate RNLI answers calls to a swimmer in difficulties and a cliff incident

Margate’s D class inshore lifeboat was launched around 7pm last night (Saturday 27 July) after UK Coastguard received numerous 999 calls reporting a swimmer in difficulties off Margate Main Sands. Margate and Herne Bay Coastguard Rescue Teams and Kent Police also responded.

The lifeboat arrived on scene just ten minutes after the crew were paged whereby a number of swimmers indicated that someone had been recovered by members of the public. One of the lifeboat crew made enquiries ashore where it was confirmed the person was now back safe and well with his family, the lifeboat was recalled and the coastguard teams continued to also make contact with the group.

While the lifeboat was being rehoused, the crew were re-tasked to a separate incident following reports of someone stranded on the cliff face at Kingsgate. The Margate and Herne Bay coastguard teams were diverted to this second incident with Deal Coastguard Rescue Team, Kent Fire and Rescue and South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) also responding.

The lifeboat crew were able to observe the casualty on a chalk outcrop and stood by providing safety cover while the shoreside agencies recovered him to the safety of the main cliff top where casualty care was provided by SECAmb after which the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

Lee Button, Launch Authority, Margate RNLI said: “When people get into difficulties, be it at sea or in cliff incidents time is of the essence and thankfully the calls from the public allowed a rapid response and speedy resolution to both incidents. In a coastal emergency dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."

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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