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.