21 March 2011
3 low water fishermen have been rescued from the sea at Greve d'Azette, after being cut off by the tide.
The men had been fishing on an offshore reef, when they found themselves up to their waists in water, about 3 quarters of a mile from La Mare slip.
Following a call to Jersey Coastguard, a Fire and Rescue Service crew launched the inshore rescue boat and found the men on a reef surrounded by the sea, around a quarter of a mile from the beach.
The men were cut off by a rapidly rising tide while fishing during one of the lowest tides of the year. They were unharmed.
Red Watch Commander, Mark Masterman, said "The 3 men were alarmed at the speed the tide had surrounded them.
"They thought they had left the low water mark in time to get safely back up the beach, but this incident highlights the dangers of low water fishing, especially during extreme spring tides when the tidal range is at its greatest and the incoming tide is at its fastest.
"Luckily, these men were able to call for help using a mobile phone. If you are planning to visit the low water mark in these areas you must let someone ashore know where you are going and what time you propose to return.
"You should also ensure you are suitably dressed for the occasion and carry a mobile phone, preferably in a waterproof case, for emergencies."
gov.je