Sunderland RNLI launch to walkers cut off by incoming tide

The alarm was raised when one of the casualties realised the danger of their situation and called 999 to request help from the Coastguard.

The Coastguard immediately requested the assistance of Sunderland RNLI's D class inshore lifeboat and the volunteer crew were launched and on their way to the incident within 15 minutes of receiving the call.

Volunteers arrived at the location at Lizard Point, Whitburn where they found a male and female along with a seven-year-old child. The family had been enjoying a walk along the coast before the tide came in and they found themselves separated from each other.

The crew recovered the female onto the lifeboat first as she had only a small area of rocks left to stand on around the incoming tide. The male and the child were then also taken safely onboard the lifeboat.

The three casualties were then handed over to South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade (SSVLB) at a safe location nearby.

RNLI Volunteer Helmsman Paul Nicholson said: 'Thankfully the walkers had their mobile phones with them, which were charged and had good signal so they were able to raise the alarm. With the assistance of SSVLB we were able to quickly locate the family who were in two separate locations, around 100 metres apart. We decided to rescue the female first as we assessed her situation to be more at risk. We then took the male and the child to reunite the family safely ashore. This was an excellent outcome for all involved. We would remind the public to thoroughly check tide times when planning coastal walks and always ensure they have a means to call for help in the event of an emergency. Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'

As a registered charity the RNLI relies on voluntary donations and legacies from the public for its income.

Notes to editors

• Sunderland RNLI Lifeboat Station is the oldest continually operational lifeboat in the United Kingdom. It was originally opened in 1800 before being adopted by the RNLI in 1865.

• Sunderland RNLI Lifeboat Station has a profile on Twitter (@SunderlandRNLI) and Facebook (RNLI Sunderland) where supporters can keep up to date with station specific activities and news.

• Sunderland RNLI Lifeboat Station operates two inshore type lifeboats: An Atlantic 85 8.3m inflatable capable of 35 knots and a D class (IB-1) 4.5m inflatable capable of 25 knots.

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Andy McGill, Sunderland RNLI Press Officer on 07980 089622 or email [email protected]

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