Ramsgate RNLI rescues man and dogs cut off by tide

Ramsgate’s all weather lifeboat was launched to a walker with two dogs trapped by the incoming tide this morning (December 19).

The lifeboat was paged by HM Coastguard at 9.38am to reports of a man and his dogs cut off by the tide underneath King George VI Park, in the Dumpton Gap area.

The decision was taken to launch the relief Tamar lifeboat RNLB Frank and Anne Wilkinson, which is currently covering Ramsgate whilst the Diamond Jubilee is being refitted, and use the small Y boat which is kept onboard as it was felt that would be better for retrieving the two large dogs.

When the volunteer crew arrived on scene at 9.57am they found the man and his two dogs completely cut off. The Y boat was launched and the man and his smaller dog were brought out to the lifeboat and then returned with the man to collect the second dog. Both dogs and the casualty were then taken to Dumpton Gap where they were handed into the care of the emergency services for assessment.

Ian Cannon, Coxswain of Ramsgate Lifeboat, said: “We are lucky to have a beautiful coastline and there is nothing better than walking your dogs along the beach. However please always carry a means of communication and check the tides before setting out on your journey as they come in very quickly.

“In this case the casualty used the What3Words App which helps identify where you are and this meant we were able to locate him easily. “

This is 100th launch this year for the volunteer crew of Ramsgate Lifeboat.

Police, firefighters and paramedics also attended.

A Kent Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson added: “’Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a rescue in Dumpton Gap Beach in Broadstairs.

“Crews assisted the coastguard in rescuing one person and two dogs who had been cut off by the tide. There were no reported injuries.”