The crew of Lyme Regis RNLI launched on Saturday (July 6) to search for two people cut off by the tide between Lyme Regis and Charmouth.

The call-out meant that the lifeboat crew missed the final minutes of England’s Euro 2024 quarter final match against Switzerland. The call came in just as England began their penalty shoot-out.

The two people were quickly located by the lifeboat crew and were found to be fit, well and perfectly happy to remain on the beach for one to two hours until the tide receded.

In command of the lifeboat was Lyme Regis RNLI’s newest Helm Mark Ellis who said: ‘This was my second shout as helm in charge the lifeboat and it was a relatively quick one. We located the casualties very soon after leaving Lyme Regis harbour and were able to communicate with them directly. They were well aware of the tide times and were happy to remain on the beach until high tide had passed.’

The volunteer crew returned to Lyme Regis at 7:50 pm. On their way back to harbour Coastguard colleagues informed them by radio the good news that England had won the penalty shoot-out.

The stretch of coast between Lyme Regis and Charmouth is very popular with walkers and fossil hunters, but points along it can be cut off by the rising tide. Anyone who finds themself in difficulty should dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

This was the 20th service call for the volunteers of Lyme Regis RNLI in 2024, the year in which the lifesaving charity celebrates its 200th anniversary.