A man was rescued from the sea at Westbrook last night (August 27) following a report of two people in the water – and then arrested on suspicion of assault.
UK Coastguard received a report of a man and a woman in the sea.There was concern for the welfare of the two and the Margate RNLI inshore lifeboat was tasked to assist, Kent Police, Margate Coastguard Rescue Team and SECAMB were also alerted and attended.
It was established that the woman had got ashore unaided and was in the care of the emergency services. The man was quickly found in the sea well beyond the depth where he could have stood. The lifeboat crew became concerned for his welfare and it was some considerable time before he was able to be recovered into the safety of the lifeboat.
The lifeboat returned to the lifeboat station where the casualty was handed into the care of the other emergency services which were now also in attendance.
Police were also at the scene after receiving a report that the woman had been assaulted. assaulted.
A Kent Police spokesman said: “During the incident the woman and a 27-year-old man entered the sea. He fell into difficulty and was brought to safety by the RNLI in Margate.
“The man was assessed by the South East Coast Ambulance Service before being detained by Kent Police officers.
“He remains in custody and enquiries into the assault are ongoing.”
Nick Smith, Deputy Launching Authority, Margate Lifeboat said: “This was a delicate situation for the volunteer crew to deal with and uppermost in everyone’s mind was the safety and welfare of the person in the water.
“We hope he recovers quickly from his ordeal and would like to thank the person who alerted the coastguard to the situation initially, remember if you see anyone in difficulties at sea or on the shoreline dial 999 and ask for coastguard.”