Day trippers saved by helicopter after being stranded on sand island

John Dickens • Published 25 Jun 2012 09:00 1 Comment

TWO beach goers were dramatically rescued by helicopter after being stranded on a sand island.

A 25 and 26-year-old, both from Slough, became trapped on the island, on a day trip to the East Sussex coast on Saturday.

A member of the public saw the pair, originally from Lithuania, waving and shouting for help, with the tide coming in around them, and called Solent Coastguard at 11.50am.

A lifeboat arrived on the scene, but couldn't reach the island because the water was too rough.

The coastguard helicopter was scrambled and the Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Team swooped to save the pair at 12.45am.

They were uninjured.

Liz Hanson, Solent Coastguard watch officer, said: "The two people involved in this incident were local to Slough but visiting the coast for the day when they became cut off by the tide.

"They were not aware of the nature of the tides and, being originally from Lithuania, they were also not aware of the emergency telephone numbers, so they were lucky they were spotted by members of the public who were able to raise the alarm.

"We always advise members of the public to check the tide times before setting out on a coastal walk, and if they do get into difficulty, to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."

The people were rescued from Splash Point, near Seaford Head, and airlifted to a nearby golf course, where they were given safety advice by coastguard officers.

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  JUDGE1066
  304 posts
  Jun 25, 12:05
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  Real story, A 25 and 26-year-old, both from Lithuania but happen to rent is Slough , became trapped on the island, on a day trip to the East Sussex coast on Saturday.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 3     No 1

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