Three people and two dogs were rescued by Whitstable RNLI

Three people and their dogs were rescued after becoming cut off by the tide near Harty Ferry on the Isle of Sheppey.

Whitstable RNLI was called to the incident earlier today (February 17) and launched its B Class lifeboat, Lewisco, shortly before midday.

The crew found the group around 200–300 metres west of the Harty Ferry causeway, where they had moved to higher ground. They then waded through shallow water to the lifeboat and were brought ashore, where the Sheppey Coastguard Rescue Team met them at Harty.

No injuries were reported. Conditions at the time included north-westerly force 4 winds, light drizzle, and good visibility.

It was the first shout of the year for Whitstable RNLI volunteers. Lifeboat helm Sam Turner said the group had checked local tide tables, but a tidal surge caught them out and cut off their return route. He added: “Thankfully they got to higher land and did the right thing by calling for help.”