Bank holiday rescue operation launched after 20 people cut off by coastal tide

28 August 2023 , 20:16

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Scene of the rescue at West Scar in Flamborough on Monday (Image: Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team)

Twenty people were rescued during the August bank holiday after being cut off by rising tides on the east coast of the UK.

The group were left stranded in West Scar, Flamborough in East Yorkshire on Monday. The Coastguard Rescue Team from Bridlington and Filey were called out by Humber Coastguard around midday after receiving reports of the incident.

The rescue team arrived on the scene and quickly established with the Flamborough Lifeboat that all members of the group needed assistance from West Scar back to the beach. Both Flamborough Lifeboat and the Coastguard deployed rescuers to the water to help the stranded visitors.

A post on social media from Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team said: “All casualties were assisted to shore by the RNLI lifeboat and Coastguard using a Snatch Water Technique," reports HullLive. The post continued: "Thankfully, all persons were successfully rescued and none required medical intervention.

"This is a timely reminder that you must check the tide times before venturing onto rocks. The tide can flood quickly and easily cut you off. Remember, if you do get into difficulty dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

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The post concluded: “Another good job working alongside our colleagues from Flamborough RNLI and Filey Coastguard.”

Earlier this month footage was released showing a girl being swept out to sea after playing close to the waterfront in north Devon. A group of four children were running about at Ilfracombe Harbour during high tide when a wave knocked a girl off her feet and swept her between the railings and into the sea.

Fortunately, one quick-thinking member of the public retrieved a lifebuoy while another was able to catch the girl before she was swept further out to sea. The person went to a slip at the end of the pier which was underwater with crashing waves and was able to reach the youngster.

Deborah Hall