Weymouth RNLI launch to two adults and child cut-off by rising tide
Lifeboats News Release
Solent Coastguard issue a launch request to assist three people in difficulty near Kimmeridge Bay; two adults and a child reported to have been cut off by the rising tide.
Following discussion with our duty launch authority, the volunteer crew of the inshore lifeboat (ILB),
Jack & Phyl Cleare, were paged and launched shortly after.
Kimmeridge Bay is approximately 11 nautical miles due east of Weymouth, and with the next high water at 7.24pm, that left little time for the crew to safely arrive on scene.
Given the circumstances, the decision was made to also launch the all weather lifeboat (ALB), our current relief boat
The Duke of Kent, thus ensuring we had sufficient assets on scene should the rising tide, prevailing weather and impending lack of daylight, become an issue.
Both vessels were on scene by 7pm and in conjunction with the onshore coastguard teams from Kimmeridge, St Alban's and Lulworth Coastguard Rescue Team, the situation was re-assessed. The rising tide and size of swell would make for a difficult landing and safe evacuation with the inshore lifeboat, so the coastguard helicopter was tasked, from Caernarfon.
Once on scene they were able to successfully carry out an air-lift of the three casualties.
Both lifeboats were stood down and returned to Weymouth where they were cleaned down, refuelled and made ready.
We live on a very beautiful and interesting coastline, and it's fascination can be time absorbing. The RNLI strongly recommend that great care of taken when walking along coastal paths and beaches, to stay well clear of cliff edges and to take note the tide times.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.
