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Thanet: 50 people cut off by tide at Botany Bay

A major rescue operation was launched after more than 50 people were cut off by the tide.

After multiple crews launched, they were told to wait until the tide had dropped to make their way back to the main bay.

Two hours before high tide, RNLI lifeguards at Botany Bay notified the coastguard that a number of people were stranded in the Kingsgate area.

Margate's lifeboat (2805119)
Margate's lifeboat (2805119)

The coastguard launched a huge response, including the Margate RNLI inshore lifeboat, with the all-weather lifeboat poised to join the effort.

Both lifeboats from Ramsgate RNLI were launched as well as the Margate Coastguard rescue team.

The teams were able to get to the isolated bay between Kingsgate Bay and Botany Bay, where 37 were cut off by the tide.

A further 17 were on another section.

The crews spoke to and checked the welfare of those in the bay.

They were then told to remain there until the tide dropped sufficiently to allow them to make their way back to the main bays.

Rescue units were stood down after it was confirmed no one needed medical help.

Yesterday, eight people were cut off by the water at Joss Bay in a similar incident.

Peter Barker, deputy launching authority at Margate RNLI, said: "This is the second similar call in two days.

"People need to understand that while they may have an area where they can sit out at high tide, they will face problems if they need to leave the bay urgently for medical reasons or choose to return home earlier than planned.

"It is not unknown for people to attempt to round the headlands in what may be deep water with hidden gullies.

"Warning signs are put in place by the lifeguards and we strongly urge everyone to keep to those bays that have clear access to the world outside."

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