Lymington Coastguard Team thanked for their part in dramatic rescue last year

It should have been a special evening, for couples wanting a night out to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Instead it ended with a dramatic rescue involving the Coastguard Rescue Team from Lymington.

Last night, the team were honoured for their efforts that night at the Marine Café, Milford-on-Sea during the Valentine’s Day storm of 2014 with a Commendation from the Chief Coastguard.

And fittingly, perhaps, the presentation took place at the Café where it all happened 14 months ago.

Hilary Durkan, Senior Coastal Operations Officer said, “Being back at the Marine Café made the events of the 14th of February 2014, seem like a lifetime ago! The Café looks fantastic again now, a far cry from the dark, wet place with smashed in windows and sea water rushing all around”

During the incident last year the wind hurled shingle up from the beach and smashed the ground floor windows and glass doors allowing sea water to flood in. The customers and staff moved upstairs while waiting to be rescued. The Lymington Coastguard Rescue Team worked alongside Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Army to rescue 32 people. They were evacuated in an Army vehicle. Conditions were described as extremely dangerous.

Keith Oliver, Chief Coastguard said, “It was my pleasure to commend the Lymington Coastguard Rescue Team for the vital role they played in this distressing incident.  I am always pleased to get the opportunity to thank all those who go that little bit further to make a difference around them.  This night should have been a special evening for the patrons enjoying their meals, thanks to our highly-trained professionals, everyone got out of the Café safely.


These volunteers spend a considerable amount of their time training, and the professionalism and competency of the Lymington team is a reflection of the expertise of our 3500 Coastguard rescue volunteers.”


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