Margate RNLI called out to third suspected suicide attempt in five days

RNLI Margate and other emergency services were called out Photo Emily Olsen

Margate’s RNLI inshore lifeboat was called out yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 16 May) after Kent Police reported a male person out of his depth and in distress around 200m off the main sands at Margate.

The lifeboat arrived on scene and recovered the person into the safety of the craft. He was immediately landed on the main sands where members of Kent Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service were waiting to administer first aid and assistance.

This is the third occasion in five days the volunteer RNLI crew have responded to what is suspected to be a suicide attempt.

A spokesman for the Margate RNLI said: “Time is the critical element and the emergency services rely on others, including members of the public to raise the alarm if they see anything untoward.

“We urge everyone to be familiar with their location and dial 999 and ask for coastguard if they see anyone in trouble at sea or on the shoreline.”