Family and Dogs Rescued From Being Cut Off By the Tide

Sunday, November 16, 2008
Posted 17:46 GMT

At twenty minutes to four this afternoon, Humber Coastguard received a 999 call from a man reporting that himself, his partner and their 11 month old child and two dogs were cut off by the tide at Seaham.

Humber Coastguard called out Seaham Coastguard rescue team, requested the launch of the Sunderland RNLI D-class and Atlantic 85 lifeboats and contacted ARCC Kinloss requesting the scramble of a helicopter.

They were informed that the rescue helicopter from RAF Leconfield had mechanical problems and was unable to attend this incident. Another helicopter was tasked from the RAF at Lossiemouth.

An attempt was made to extract the family and dogs from seaward, but due to the high surf was deemed unsafe by the boat crews.

Sunderland Coastguard Rescue team was also called out to assist Seaham Coastguard with the rescue of the family. Coastguards were lowered down the cliff on ropes and were able to reassure the family. By this time the sea was around their ankles and the helicopter was 10 mins away.

The coastguard recovered the lady up the cliff and the man and baby were winched out of the cove by the helicopter. The Coastguards then went down the cliff again to recover the dogs. An ambulance was requested to attend to assess the individuals for any injuries.

Val Jenkinson from Humber Coastguard said:

This family are very lucky that they were rescued, the sea in this area reaches the bottom of the cliffs on high tide.

It is very important that anyone venturing out on a walk along the coasts should check the tides and should not attempt going, if the tide is coming in and there is risk of being cut off in a secluded cove.

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401