Lyme Regis RNLI volunteers search coast for walkers feared cut off by the tide

Lyme Regis RNLI volunteers launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat ‘Spirit of Loch Fyne’ at 4:39 pm in response to a tasking request from HM Coastguard to search for people reported to be cut off by the rising spring tide. An additional concern was that one of the casualties was trapped in mud. In relatively light winds and calm conditions, the RNLI crew was quickly on scene and commenced a shoreline search during which they contacted a man and woman walking towards Charmouth. The couple confirmed that it was them who had raised the alarm, but they had managed to extract themselves and were now safe, well and in no need of assistance. However, the couple informed the lifeboat crew that they had seen four other people on the beach closer to Lyme Regis who they believed may have been in danger of being cut off.

Once the lifeboat had reached the reported position two of the four volunteer crew swam ashore to locate the reported walkers. They found the group of four safe and well on higher ground part way up the cliff. Having confirmed that the group was in no danger and was intending to spend the evening in their current position, the two RNLI crew swam back to the lifeboat which returned to Lyme Regis harbour at 5:20 pm.

Volunteer lifeboat helm Jon Broome said, ‘It was relatively easy to find the reported casualties in today’s conditions which were a light south westerly wind and smooth sea state. They did well to extract themselves from the sticky mud in this area which can be very dangerous. We are grateful to them for alerting us to the possibility of other casualties along the coast.’

The RNLI advises that walkers and fossil hunters take great care when walking along this stretch of the coast. Frequent land slips and cliff falls cause the beach to narrow increasing the likelihood of becoming cut off by the rising tide. Walkers should never attempt to climb cliff falls or mud slides as these are generally unstable and very dangerous.

This was the sixth service call for Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat in 2024, the year in which the lifesaving charity celebrates its 200^th anniversary.

Ends

Notes to editors

· A photo of Lyme Regis RNLI inshore lifeboat ‘Spirit of Loch Fyne’ conducting a shoreline search near Lyme Regis. Credit RNLI/Nick Marks

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Nick Marks volunteer lifeboat press officer at Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station on 07568 187582 or [email protected] or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.

RNLI at 200

On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200^th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.

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.