Teignmouth RNLI rescue family from incoming tide.
Volunteers from Teignmouth RNLI were tasked to assist a local family of five who found themselves cut off by a rapid incoming tide near Mackerel Cove.
Teignmouth’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat The Two Annes was launched at 2:42pm on
Monday 14 February, following a tasking from Solent Coastguard to find and recover a family who had found themselves cut off by the incoming tide.
The volunteer crew of four quickly proceeded to Mackerel Cove, an area given by the family as their location. The family were able to call 999 and requested assistance from the Coastguard after realising they would not be able to beat the tide.
Mackerel Cove, not far from Maidencombe Beach is a popular walking spot, yet on this occasion the family of two adults and three children found themselves at the mercy of the incoming tide.
Just 10 minutes after launching the crew had successfully located the stranded family and were able to successfully bring them onboard the lifeboat where they were brought to safety to a waiting coastguard team who were able to asses them further for any injuries.
Getting cut off by the tide contributes to a significant number of RNLI rescues every year. Tide times and heights can vary significantly throughout the month, to avoid getting cut off by the tide before you head out you should make sure it’s safe by checking the local tide times. Whilst you are out you should be aware of your surroundings and the tides direction, as well as carrying means for communication should you find yourself in difficulty.
Following the successful recovery of the stranded family the crew returned to the boathouse where the lifeboat was washed down and refuelled, ready for service again at 3:40pm.
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 142,700 lives.
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