Rising tide Library image
Whitstable RNLI lifeboat has reported it rescued a family of five on Friday 23 August after they were cut off by the tide on the Isle of Sheppey.
The Whitstable B-Class lifeboat Lewisco quickly set off and arrived at the scene of the drama nine minutes after launching. Helm Andy Williams described their approach to the foot of the clay cliff as ‘cautious’, due to boulders on the sea bed.
The two parents and their three children had managed to climb partway up the cliff to keep them safe from the water as the tide had by this time reached the base of the cliffs. Member of the crew Vicky Kypta helped the family onto the lifeboat and they were safely landed ashore on Leysdown beach.
After the incident Whitstable lifeboat helm Andy Williams emphasized the importance of being aware of the tide, weather, and local conditions when walking along shorelines near cliffs like those at Warden Point.