COASTGUARD LOCATE FOUR CUT OFF BY TIDE

This afternoon just after 6pm the National Maritime Operations Centre were contacted by Dorset Police. The police had received a 999 call from a foreign national who was panicking because he and his group of three friends were lost and becoming cut off by a rising tide.

The Coastguard dealing with the foreign national, connected the call to a language interpreter as well. This enabled a series of thorough questions to be received and translated so that the location of the group could be identified.

The Swanage Coastguard Rescue Team, who were already in the area having dealt with a mud rescue, diverted onto the search for the missing men. The men were thought to be in the vicinity between the Pinnacles and Old Harry Rocks.

The Swange inshore and all weather lifeboats were requested to the search area, and while the Coastguard was still on the line to the foreign man, the lifeboat located the group and recovered them all safety.

The group of four men were then transferred to the Poole lifeboat and are being taken back to Poole.

National Maritime Operations Controller for the UK Coastguard, Matt Leat said

It is important to always check the weather and tidal conditions before you set out so that you can prepare accordingly. At sea changes in tidal streams could make conditions worse, particularly if the wind and tide are against each other. You can check marine weather at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/marine/ and tides at http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/

If you do find yourself cut off by a rising tide, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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