8:48pm Monday 9th August 2010
A FAMILY-of-six were rescued by lifeboat crews after being cut off by the rising tide in Sunderland.
Lifeboat volunteers from Sunderland RNLI Lifeboat Station scrambled into action just before 2.30pm this afternoon to assist the stricken family, who had become cut off by the rising tide at Ryhope.
Two inshore lifeboats were launched after a parent in the group called 999 to say they were stranded on the beach below 60ft cliffs, surrounded by the tide.
The group comprised two adults, a teenager, three young children and a pet dog.
A passing fishing vessel, which also notified the coastguard after seeing the family's predicament, stayed on standby in the area to keep a visual watch on the group until the rescue teams arrived.
A shore-based MCA Coastguard Rescue Team from Sunderland Coastguard Station was also tasked to attend the incident, in case it was necessary to evacuate the family up the cliff using rope rescue equipment.
Paul Nicholson, senior helmsman at Sunderland RNLI, said: "Due to the location of the incident and the size of the group, it was decided that our D Class Inshore Lifeboat would pick the family up and transfer them from the beach to the Atlantic 85 Inshore Lifeboat in deeper water."
On arrival the smaller D Class Inshore Lifeboat went to the shoreline to meet the family, fitting each member with lifejackets, and transferring them, two at a time, to the larger lifeboat.
They were transferred to Sunderland Marina and assisted ashore by Coastguards and RNLI Shore Crew members.
Mr Nicholson added: "We would like to thank the skipper of the fishing boat for making the initial call and agreeing to standby the family until we arrived at the scene.
"After realising they were in difficulty the family took the correct action by dialling 999 and asking for the Coastguard.
"The RNLI advises that anyone taking part in coastal walking or other coastal activities to check the times of the tide to help ensure that people do not become trapped."
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