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Tenby inshore lifeboat assists in rescue of couple and dog cut off by tide

Lifeboats News Release

Tenby's inshore lifeboat was requested to launch shortly before 1pm on Friday 10th January, after a report that a couple and their dog were cut off by the tide in the vicinity of East Rock House, between the Castle and Paragon beaches.

RNLI/Ben James

The volunteer crew were quickly on the water and located the casualties within minutes. Unfortunately, due to the swell, it was deemed unsafe to attempt to get to them from the sea, so the lifeboat stood off and provided safety cover whilst a Coastguard rescue helicopter was requested.

Tenby Coastguard rescue team was soon on scene, along with a member of the lifeboat crew, who had kitted up in a drysuit and lifejacket as waves were beginning to break very close to where the people were cut off. Both the coastguard and lifeboat crew member made their way across the rocks to the casualties, where they reassured and checked them over to make sure no medical assistance was required, before moving them higher up the rocks and further away from the breaking waves.

A short while later, the helicopter arrived, but with the strong downwash in such an enclosed area, it was deemed unsafe to perform a winch rescue, due to the risk of falling rocks.

With all other options exhausted, a rope rescue was decided upon and the casualties were carefully brought across the rocks, to an area where they could use the steps to get to the safety of the garden of a house above.
With the couple and their dog now out of danger, all units stood down and returned to station.

Tenby's Lifeboat Press Officer, Ben James, said: "We'd like to remind everyone to always be aware of the weather forecast when visiting the coast, know the tide times and also, have a mobile phone with you in case you get into the difficulty. RNLI volunteers are on call 24/7, 365 days a year, so if you get into difficulty, or see something that doesn't look right, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard".

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.

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