TWO ANGLERS CUT OFF BY THE TIDE AT ILFRACOMBE

Two men were rescued this evening after contacting Swansea Coastguard concerned that the tide was coming in around them as they were angling at Broadsands near Ilfracombe.

The two anglers initially called Swansea Coastguard at 19.45 this evening to get information on the tide times as they were concerned that they might become cut off by the tide.  Although they were keen to stress that they didn’t think they needed help, Swansea Coastguard sent the Ilfracombe Coastguard Rescue Team to the scene to report back to the Operations Room and ensure that they were able to get safely back to shore.

Upon arriving on scene, the Coastguard Rescue Team reported that there was six feet of swell and a rising tide and so Swansea Coastguard sent the Ilfracombe All Weather and Inshore lifeboats to rescue the two anglers.  They were safely brought ashore at 21.15.

Swansea Coastguard Watch Manager David  Jones said:

“Although the two anglers contacted us as they were concerned about the rising tide, they were also concerned that they didn’t want to put the Coastguard out, and were hoping they would not need our help.  In fact, they did absolutely the right thing by calling the Coastguard, as they eventually were not able to get safely ashore and needed rescuing by the lifeboat.

Members of the public should always ensure they have up to date tide times and check the weather before going walking or angling on the coast, especially when visiting areas that are prone to being cut off by the tide.”

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