Margate RNLI’s lifeboats respond to two calls in marginal weather conditions

Margate RNLI’s B class inshore lifeboat was engaged in routine training in Ramsgate harbour around 10am today (Sunday 12 July) when HM Coastguard received a report of four people cut off by the tide at Kingsgate Bay. The lifeboat was diverted from its exercise and tasked to investigate, Margate and Deal Coastguard Rescue Teams also tasked to the scene.

While the lifeboat was underway to Kingsgate, HM Coastguard received another report of a two persons in the water off Pegwell Bay south of Ramsgate harbour. The lifeboat was re-diverted to Pegwell Bay with Margate’s D class lifeboat tasked to the original call at Kingsgate.

The call to Pegwell Bay was quickly resolved with the two persons picked up by a passing boat and the B class lifeboat was re-diverted again to Kingsgate. When both lifeboats arrived on scene it was established the four casualties were ‘high and dry’ in a secluded cove with no access to the main beaches.

Weather conditions were poor with a north-easterly Beaufort force five wind and 3 metre seas creating broken surf on the rocks, it was around high water at the time and as the casualties were in a relatively secure location it was considered unsafe to attempt extraction by sea.

Coastguard officers meanwhile were able to communicate verbally with the casualties and it was agreed that with the ebbing tide they were content to await the opportunity to reach the safety of the beach themselves once the water receded.

The coastguard team remained on the cliff top to monitor their safety and the lifeboats were stood down and returned to station. The casualties subsequently made their own way to safety.

Emma Macfarlane, Launch Authority, Margate RNLI, said: “The area around Kingsgate is notorious for people becoming cut off by the tide. While they can remain on dry sand extraction in an emergency can be problematic.

“Most importantly we urge people not to attempt wading around headlands as deep gullies will not be obvious, remain where you are and dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Peter Barker, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, [email protected]

Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.