Riders stranded on island due to high tide

Three riders were left stranded with their horses on an island in the pouring rain, after being cut off by the tide.

High tide

The women had gone out for a ride at Burnham Overy on the north coast of Norfolk. As the water was low, they decided to cross over to Scolt Head Island on the other side of the harbour.

They miscalculated the time of the tide and ended up being cut off due to high water, and were unable to make their way back to the mainland.

Dangerous

A volunteerlifeboatcrew from Wells RNLI was called to rescue them just before 6pm on Monday 12 October.As they couldn’t put the horses on a boat, the lifeboatshipped out a tent, food, warm clothing and rugs for the horses.

Fortunately, one of the volunteersis married to someone with experience with horses, who was able to give advice.

The three riders were keen to get off the island as soon as possible, however the RNLI crew and coastguard told them it would be too dangerous to wade through the receding tide.

Early morning rescue

The riders agreed to wait until 2 am the next morning, when the water would be low enough for them to cross.

Using their ‘soft-track’ transporter tractor, they lit up the way for the riders who were able to lead their horses back across to safety.

“The crew are trained for most eventualities, but it not often you rescue people and animals on foot,” said Lifeboatspokesman, Chris Hardy. “Thankfully all ended well and no one was hurt.”