Teenagers rescued

Be aware of the tides and the dangers of the sea - that is the warning this week after 12 teenagers had to be rescued from the coast at Wells.

The teenagers were plucked to safety early on Sunday after being cut off by high waters near Wells.

The youngsters aged 15 and 16 went on a fishing trip on a beach off East Hills when they miscalculated the tide and became stranded on the marsh in dangerous weather conditions.

John Mitchell from the Wells Lifeboat Station said the crew were alerted to the incident shortly before 8am.

“We cannot emphasise enough that people should be aware of the dangers at sea, especially in dangerous weather conditions. Tides can be very risky and sweep people away immediately,” he said.

He said some of the group had spent the night fishing, having crossed the channel on foot at low water on Saturday night. The others went out at about 6am on Sunday morning.

“They said they thought high water was at twelve noon,” Mr Mitchell said. “In fact, it was at 10am and found they were cut off when they tried to re-cross the channel this morning. Five of the group were stranded on the marsh opposite the Beach Bank at a place known as Fleets Drain, the other seven tried to make their way back across the Channel at East Quay, near Wells Sailing Club but were warned not to attempt it and wait for the lifeboat to rescue them.”

Yarmouth Coastguard contacted Wells Lifeboat Station and the Inshore Boat launched at just before 8am. All 12 teenage girls and boys were well after their ordeal, although they were cold and wet.

Mr Mitchell said lifeboat stations tended to be very busy during bank holiday weekends because people often miscalculated tides or ignored advice not to venture to sea in rough weather.

Lifeboat operations manager Chris Hardy said: “They had a lucky escape. The weather was foul for the time of year and The East Hills is no place to be in the conditions we had today.”