
Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeboat launches to walkers cut off by the tide
The volunteer lifeboat crew from Lyme Regis RNLI launched this evening (7 November to go to the aid of a couple cut off by the tide whilst walking in Charton Bay, 3 miles to the west of Lyme Regis harbour.
The crew launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne at 4:40pm and were quickly on scene. Once they had located the couple two crew members made their way ashore to assess the casualties and prepare them to embark the lifeboat. Because of relatively mild sea conditions volunteer Helm Seb Cope was able to position the bow of the lifeboat onto the shore allowing the couple, helped by the lifeboat crew, to scramble on board. Spirit of Loch Fyne then returned to Lyme Regis harbour where the casualties were met by members of the HM Coastguard and paramedics. Despite being cold and anxious the couple were uninjured.
Lifeboat Helm Seb Cope said, ‘Darkness was rapidly approaching but we managed to find the casualties quite quickly. Thankfully they were fit and well although a bit cold. We were lucky that the sea state was low enough for me to beach the bow of the boat so that my crew could get the casualties on board directly from the shore. If there had been more of a sea running the rescue would have been much more difficult.’
There are numerous places around Lyme Regis, both east and west, where it is possible to become cut off by the tide. RNLI Water Safety advice is that you should always make allowance for the tide and have a clear plan of your walking route and how it may be affected by a rising tide. Always carry a means of calling for help and dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you get into difficulty. Tide times for Lyme Regis can be found on the ‘Resources’ page of the Lyme Regis harbour website www.lymeregisharbour.co.uk.
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Notes to editors
Phot 1 Caption. Lyme Regis RNLI Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne at sea. Photo credit: RNLI/Max Redwood.
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For more information, please contact Nick Marks, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station on 07568 187582 or [email protected], or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected], or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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