Family of nine rescued after being cut off by tide at Brancaster

A family of nine were rescued after becoming cut off by the tide on the Wreck Sands at Brancaster yesterday afternoon.

Hunstanton RNLI has described the rescue, of four adults and five children, as the "most serious incident of the holiday season to date".

The hovercraft was launched at 4pm to help the family, who, after being rescued, told the crew they "had not realised the state of the tide", which was filling the channel between them and the beach.

A spokesman said they were taken aboard the hovercraft and transferred to the beach, into the care of the local coastguard response team.

He said it took two journeys to evacuate them from the sands.

Holidaymakers are being reminded of the 'Respect the Water' campaign, and the following general safety advice:

• Check the Weather and tide times

• Read signs. Be aware of local hazards, ie; sandbanks, channels and strong tidal currents

• Carry a means of calling for help
• If you see someone in danger dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard who will page the RNLI