Hunstanton hovercraft launched to woman and dog cut off by tide

A lifeboat crew was called to a woman and her dog after they had been cut off by the rising tide on Friday.

The Hunstanton Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) hovercraft was launched around 4.30pm to attend to the woman at Brancaster.

On arrival, the crew were told the woman had not realised the state of the tide, which had filled the channel between her and the safety of the beach.

She had been walking round trying to find a way off the island for a couple of hours before she rang the coastguard.

The woman and her dog were taken on board the hovercraft and transferred to the beach, into the care of the local coastguard response team.

The RNLI's Respect the Water campaign advises locals and holidaymakers about the threat of strong tidal currents, especially at the approaches to harbours.

People are advised to check the weather and tide times, read signs and to be aware of local hazards. They are also urged carry means of calling for help and to dial 999 or 112 if they see someone in danger and in need of the coastguard to page the lifeboat.