WINTER STORMS - BABIES RESCUED THROUGH CRASHING WAVES

Margate Coastguard Rescue Team and Dover Coastguard

In one of the worst tidal surges we’ve seen in more than 60 years, massive waves were hitting the UK coastline.

On Friday 6 December, a 999 call was made to the Coastguard reporting that two women with babies in prams and a dog had become cut off by the large waves crashing over the promenade at Louisa Bay, Broadstairs. The water was rising and the sea front was starting to flood.

Dover Coastguard sent the Margate Coastguard Rescue Team to the scene and first to arrive was Peter Overton. He located the group who were sheltering behind a container, having been drenched by one of the waves.

He scouted the area and found himself a safe position as close to the group as he possibly could. From there, he shouted out some instructions. When the time was right, he told them to make a break for it in between the crashing waves.

All four of them, plus the two dogs, managed to get away from the stormy sea. Apart from being soaked, they were unhurt. Peter’s actions ensured they managed to get to a place of safety and didn’t come to any real harm.











Richard Martin, Chief Coastguard, says:


“Coastguards have worked tirelessly over the past few months as storms and tidal surges have battered many parts of the UK coastline. I'd like to take a moment to thank them all for their sterling efforts in what have been very challenging conditions.

“From the staff coordinating efforts in our Coastguard centres, to those rescue officers out in their communities, so many have given up their free time to help out. Some have done so in the early hours, on Christmas Eve into Christmas Day and even spending time away from loved ones on Valentine’s Day.

“Over the next few days and weeks, we’ll be featuring some examples of the work carried out by Coastguards during the storms. My thanks again to everyone involved in the storm rescue efforts as we all worked together to help keep the public safe.”

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