Incident: RIB aground on sandbank

At 12.20 on Sunday 27th July, watch-keepers observed an inflatable boat possibly a RIB with four persons on board apparently drifting towards Pole Sans sandbank. The boat was observed to be in poor condition, with the tubes under inflated, and appeared grounded.

At 12.32 Watch-keepers advised HMCG and were asked to continue monitoring. Watch-keepers also informed Border Force.

At 12.58 Watch-keepers informed the Harbour Master who tasked their RIB to investigate.

At 13.45 HM RIB contacted casualties now stranded on ebbing tide but in no immediate danger, and were awaiting incoming tide to re-float.

At 15.45 HMCG requested an update and watch-keepers confirmed the situation was unchanged.

At 17.00 Watch-keepers observed it was a RIB and was beginning to re-float on the rising tide but without a functioning engine. But made slow headway west towards the Marina

At 17.10 RIB in the sanctuary of the estuary and under way again. watch-keepers updated HMCG.