COUPLE AND FOUR DOGS RESCUED

Press Notice No:  88-11                                                                 06 April 2011


At , Brixham Coastguard received a 999 call from a couple who were out exercising their four dogs on Whitsand Beach. Their call was to report that they were cut off by the tide which was continuing to flood.

Brixham Coastguard called out the Tamar and Looe Coastguard rescue teams and requested the launch of the Plymouth RNLI inshore lifeboat and a rescue helicopter from Culdrose was also scrambled.

The Coastguard rescue teams upon arriving had to search to locate the exact position of the couple and their dogs. The lifeboat was unable to extract the people and their dogs by boat due to the breaking surf. The Coastguard teams and the lifeboat were able to act as markers for the helicopter who came and winched the couple and dogs from their predicament.

The helicopter landed at the landing site set up by the coastguards on the beach safe and well.

Andy Huber, Watch Manager, Brixham Coastguard said:

It is essential when going for a walk on along beaches, that has coves and inlets to ensure that you know the tide times and the range of the tide.

Fortunately, in this incident the couple had with them a mobile phone and were able to raise the alarm to their situation.

If you are planning a visit to the coast or seaside, make sure you check the tide times.  If you see anyone in trouble at sea or at the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.



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