Margate’s volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew have been involved in a dramatic rescue where two people were dragged from the sea in a multi-agency operation off the north Kent coast.
UK Coastguard received a call shortly after 10am today (September 17) reporting a female in distress in the sea off Reculver Towers around seven miles to the west of the lifeboat station at Margate.
Margate’s RNLI inshore lifeboat was tasked to provide urgent assistance, also responding to the incident were: Whitstable RNLI lifeboat; HM Coastguard rescue helicopter from Lydd Airport; coastguard rescue teams from Margate and Herne Bay; Kent Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service.
Margate’s inshore lifeboat quickly found the woman, along with a man who had gone into the sea to help, between Minnis Bay and Reculver.
The lifeboat crew faced a confusing situation and two of the crew entered the water to assist the pair. After some effort the two casualties were pulled ashore and clear of the water.
They were helped by the paramedic from the coastguard helicopter and the two casualties were handed into the care of the shore-based ambulance team, coastguard rescue team and Kent Police.
Nick Smith, Deputy Launching Authority, Margate lifeboat station said: “This was a particularly tricky and prolonged rescue operation for the lifeboat crew and far from straightforward, requiring specialist skills to ensure the lives of these two people could be saved.
“If you see anyone in difficulties at sea or on the shoreline dial 999 and ask for coastguard.”