MAN SAVED FROM LONG, COLD WAIT FOR TIDE TO GO OUT ON ST MARY’S ISLAND

Humber Coastguard this morning saved a man from a long, cold wait after he was cut off by the tide in Whitley Bay.

At 11.48 a 999 call was received from a person who had third-hand information of a work colleague cut off by the tide in the Whitley bay area. He thought it was by St. Mary’s but couldn’t give Humber Coastguard an exact location.

Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade and Cullercoats RNLI Inshore Lifeboat were immediately sent to the scene to start searching whilst Coastguards talked to the stranded man by phone. Despite a considerable language barrier the Coastguard officer’s pertinent questioning drew out the exact location of the casualty.

The man was found, cold and a little wet, and taken to shore by the lifeboat, where he was met by the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade.

Alex Harrison, Humber Coastguard Watch Officer says:

"This man was very lucky that a work colleague was concerned enough to call us when he did because it was almost high water and so he would have been trapped for several hours, in inclement weather conditions, waiting to get back ashore.

 "If you’re visiting the coast this new year please check the time of the tide carefully before you start your walk as we want everyone to go home safely.”

-Ends-

• The MCA is a partner in the Sea Vision UK campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the sea and maritime activities. Sea Vision promotes the importance and economic value of the sector and works to highlight the exciting range of activities and career opportunities available to young people within the UK growing maritime sector. http://www.seavisionuk.org/

• Stay safe - before heading out on the water get trained, check weather and tides, wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol and keep in touch

• Follow us on Twitter. Find us at MCA_media

 

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