Dover RNLI crew member first on scene in dramatic shoreline rescue

On the afternoon of Thursday 23 July, two beachgoers were cut off at the foot of the cliffs at St Margaret's Bay. The Dover RNLI all-weather lifeboat was tasked to assist, along with HM Coastguard helicopter. Volunteer crew member, Pete Watson, was driving to the lifeboat station following the pager alert but being closer to the location of the casualties it was decided he should go directly to St Margaret's Bay. The lifeboat was fully crewed and launched at 5.17pm.

Pete was first on the scene. The casualties were reportedly on the beach at the foot of the cliffs, and Pete searched the shoreline, only to discover they were already in the water. By coincidence, a HM Coastguard helicopter was in the area on a training exercise and swooped in to assist. The couple were airlifted out of the water and Pete and the winchman provided immediate first aid to the casualties, who by now were very cold and in some discomfort and distress.

People from nearby beach huts provided blankets, food and drink, whilst Pete, an RNLI-qualified casualty care specialist, administered first aid to the couple who had suffered minor scrapes and bruises from the rocks. When the Langdon Bay Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) and ambulance service arrived, Pete handed over care of the casualties to them.

The Dover RNLI Severn-class lifeboat, the Duke of Kent, was on-scene to assist in case of need but in the end did not take part in the rescue.

Pete said, ‘I was very close to St Margaret’s Bay when the pager went off so it made sense to go straight there. The lifeboat was fully crewed anyway. When the pager goes off, you drop everything and your one aim is to provide any care where it’s needed.’ Although he had no kit or equipment, Pete’s training kicked in and he was able to act as first responder on the beach before handing over to the CRT. Pete said, ‘Always check the weather and tides when you go for a walk under the cliffs, and let someone know where you are. Always take a means of calling for help if you get into difficulty’.

This was an incredible rescue with a joint coordinated effort by HM Coastguard helicopter, the Coastguard Rescue Team and the RNLI, and it demonstrates the commitment of our crews who are always ready to save lives at sea.

If you see anyone in difficulty in the water or on the shoreline, dial 999 and ask for HM Coastguard.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

·         David Hampson-Ghani - Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Dover RNLI on 07802 14357 or [email protected]

·         Stella Sims - Regional Communications Manager, on 01202 137713 or [email protected] 

·         Julie Rainey – Regional Communications Lead, on 07827 358256 or [email protected]

·         RNLI Press Office 01202 336789 or [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.

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