Heroic RNLI Launch Rescue as Person Risks Life in Brutal Margate Storm
Margate’s volunteer RNLI crew sprang into action today amid some of the worst weather the UK has seen in decades. A frantic 999 call from a member of the public reported a person in the sea off Westgate-on-Sea at around 4.30pm on Friday, March 2.
Stormy Seas and Freezing Conditions
HM Coastguard quickly tasked Margate’s inshore lifeboat to search the rough waters, backed up by Margate Coastguard Rescue Team and Kent Police. At the time, fierce easterly winds whipped up heavy seas following days of gale-force storms. Snow fell steadily, temperatures hovered around freezing, and thick sheet ice made reaching the lifeboat station a treacherous struggle for crews.
Risky Rescue in Treacherous Weather
The lifeboat battled the savage conditions to reach Westgate and scoured the shoreline as close to the water as possible. Fortunately, the missing individual was found safe and sound on land. Kent Police revealed the person is an extreme sports enthusiast who deliberately entered the sea to “explore the terrible weather conditions.”
Life-Saving Warning from Lifeboat Crew
Nick Smith, Deputy Launching Authority at Margate Lifeboat, commented, “The lifeboat crew faced challenges even before setting out given the terrible weather. It’s understandable that a sighting of a person in the sea during such dangerous conditions triggered a 999 call. We urge all extreme sports enthusiasts to contact the coastguard before heading out into these extreme seas.”
The lifeboat returned to station once the individual’s safety was confirmed. This dramatic rescue highlights the bravery of Margate’s lifeboat crews and the serious risks posed by winter storms along the coast.
