Hunstanton Coastguard Rescue Team

29/05/2026

We’ve had five more call-outs since the weekend. Read on for information about Four-Shouts-Thursday.

🆘 Incident 🆘 # 39 of 2026

Tuesday 26th May 12.56hrs

The team was tasked to assist with four people cut off on Wells beach, who were attempting to wade back to safety.

On arrival, the people had already been located and returned to the beach by Wells RNLI. All were safe and well. Wells Coastguard Rescue Team was also in attendance.

Humber control was advised and the teams were stood.

🆘 Incident 🆘 # 40 of 2026

Thursday 28th May 11.03hrs

The team was tasked to assist a casualty with suspected cardiac arrest on Wells beach. Wells and Sheringham Coastguard Rescue Teams were also called, as was Rescue 912, the Coastguard helicopter.

Wells RNLI used their tracked vehicle to transport their shore team to the casualty, who was located some 2,000m away, while Wells CRT used their vehicle to transport a paramedic. An ambulance was also en route to the RNLI station.

Having assessed the casualty, the paramedic determined that transport back to the ambulance, using the RNLI vehicle, was possible. Therefore, the helicopter, which had just arrived on scene, was no longer required and it left without landing.

Our Station Officer was Officer in Charge, liaising with and coordinating everyone involved. This was a good example of multi-agencies working together to bring about a satisfactory outcome.

The casualty was handed into the care of East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Just time to make a sandwich for lunch and then….

🆘 Incident 🆘 # 41 of 2026

Thursday 28th May 13.51hrs

The team was tasked following concerns for an inflatable craft off Old Hunstanton beach.

The cliff top was used as a vantage point to scan the area, but nothing was seen. The team then relocated to the RNLI station and searched the beach for the first informants. Following discussions with them and having found nothing untoward on the beach, it was concluded that no persons were on the inflatable.

Humber control was informed and the team was stood down.

But on the way home, having first washed down the vehicle….

🆘 Incident 🆘 # 41 of 2026

Thursday 28th May 15.57hrs

The team was tasked to Brancaster following concerns for a paddleboarder, drifting out to sea, reported by NCI Brancaster.

Both Wells inshore lifeboat (ILB) and all-weather boat were called, whilst both NCI and our OiC (Officer in Charge) scanned the sea with binoculars, eventually locating the paddleboarder some considerable distance from the shore.

The ILB crew was quickly able to locate and rescue the casualty and the board. The casualty was brought ashore, met by Coastguard team members and driven to the Golf Club carpark, for a medical assessment. The casualty was cold and upset, but otherwise in good health, so was handed into the care of the family. They were advised to seek immediate medical attention should there be any deterioration in condition over the next few hours. Safety advice regarding using a board in off shore winds was given.

The team was stood down.

Having just got home, hoping for some dinner……

🆘 Incident 🆘 # 43 of 2026

Thursday 28th May 17.47 hrs

The team was tasked to assist Norfolk Constabulary on the quayside King’s Lynn.

No further details will be given.

If you see anyone in danger along the coast ring 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

29/05/2026

We had two call outs for missing children over last weekend. Luckily, both were found quite quickly.

Here’s some very useful information to bear in mind when taking children onto a busy beach. Keep them safe.

Hot weather and busy beaches can be disorientating for younger children.

It’s not uncommon for little ones to get lost in crowds, but these tips can help reunite you if you do become separated:

Take a photo on arrival so you have an up-to-date reference to show authorities (and a handy reminder of what they were wearing) 📸

Agree a meeting point if you get lost 📍

Use beach wristbands and write your contact number on them so you can be called and reunited if you get separated 🙋

Make sure that everyone in the group knows to call 999 if they’re in trouble 📞

Wristbands can be ordered from our web shop for free. Get yours here: bit.ly/HMCGwristbands

26/05/2026

As predicted, Bank Holiday, half-term and plenty of sun resulted in a busy weekend. There’s been a mixed bag of call-outs, which sums up all that we are trained to deal with.

Thanks to all members of our team for their dedication and commitment, giving up their time to help those in need. It’s especially appreciated that they have spent so long out in extremely high temperatures, often with little time between call-outs to recuperate and regroup. Thanks too to our understanding families and our colleagues from other emergency services.

🆘 Incident 🆘 # 33 of 2026

Friday 22nd May 21.06 hrs

The team was tasked following concerns for paddle boarders off Hunstanton.

A further report came in that all the paddle boarders were safe and well, so the team was stood down en route.

FAGI (false alarm, good intent)

🆘 Incident 🆘 # 34 of 2026

Sunday 24th May 11.28hrs

The team was tasked to assist 7 people, including 3 children, who were cut off on Wells beach.

Good time should have been made as members of the team were already out on a beach safety patrol at Brancaster. However, the sheer volume of traffic in the Wells area delayed attendance.

On arrival, fortunately, Wells inshore lifeboat had recovered the casualties safely to the beach. The team was stood down.

Wells Coastguard Rescue Team was also called but the traffic prevented their attendance before the stand down was received.

🆘 Incident 🆘 # 35 of 2026

Sunday 24th May 18.53hrs

The team was tasked to assist in the search for a missing child on Hunstanton beach. Also in attendance were Norfolk Constabulary, with a drone, and the hovercraft from Hunstanton RNLI.

Upon arrival, the Officer in Charge liaised with the police, to gain more information about the child’s appearance and age and the last place seen.
Meanwhile, three team members prepared to search by the water’s edge and others attempted a scan with binoculars. However, the glare off the sea from the setting sun made this very difficult.

As a second team was about to join the search, information was received that the child had been found safe and well and was being returned to the parents by police officers.

Humber control was advised and the team was stood down.

🆘 Incident 🆘 # 36 of 2026

Monday 25th May 12.45hrs

Whilst out on a beach safety patrol, the team was tasked to assist a person who had collapsed on the promenade at Hunstanton.

On arrival, the casualty was found to be extremely hot and with a high breathing rate, that was of concern. A family member confirmed a loss of consciousness.

The officer in charge contacted Humber control, who connected him directly to the paramedic support team in Norwich. The casualty’s symptoms and vital signs were described to the support team. They advised that, because the arrival of an ambulance would be at least two hours, if a family member was prepared to drive the casualty to hospital, this would be the quickest option for a check up by medics.

Meanwhile, team members cooled the casualty with wet cloths and by moving into the shade, whilst continuing to monitor the vital signs.

A family member was taken back to their vehicle, on the other side of the town, to speed the process of the journey to A&E. The casualty was assisted to the car and left in the care of the relative.

Humber control was informed and the team was stood down.

🆘 Incident 🆘 # 37 of 2026

Monday 25th May 14.10hrs

The team was tasked to assist in the search for a missing child on Wells beach, alongside Wells Coastguard Rescue Team.

Whilst en route, further information was received that the child had been found, and the team was stood down.

🆘 Incident 🆘 # 38 of 2026

Monday 25th May 15.45hrs

The team was tasked to reports of suspected ordnance on Holme beach; the police were already in attendance.

Once on the scene, the police assisted in the setting up of an exclusion zone, safely moving members of the public away from the area. The suspected items were photographed and measured and this information was send to Humber control, who in turn passed this on to EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal).

At approximately 18.00, Wells Coastguard Rescue Team arrived to give our team a well-earned welfare break, in the shade and with a cold drink.

EOD arrived half an hour later, examined the objects and declared them to be safe. They were removed from the beach by EOD for safe disposal at their base.

Both teams were stood down.

If you see someone in trouble on the coast, ring 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

25/05/2026

Please make sure emergency access is left for all emergency vehicles however big or small in this hot weather 🌞🌞

Please help keep our volunteer crews moving.

This morning, parking around the lifeboat station is causing access issues again. We completely understand Wells is very busy, but the spaces and access around the boathouse are emergency service parking and must be kept clear at all times.

Our volunteers can be paged at any moment, and every second matters when someone is in trouble at sea. Blocked access can delay crew reaching the lifeboat, launching safely, or returning from a shout.

We are asking everyone, respectfully but very clearly: please do not park in or block RNLI access areas, emergency service spaces, slipways, gates or turning areas.

Thank you to everyone who helps by parking considerately and keeping access clear for our lifesaving volunteers. Your support really does make a difference.

Please respect Holkham when they are enforcing this on our behalf. ☀️💙

22/05/2026

21/05/2026

Just one call out recently, but it’s a Bank Holiday weekend and half term, the sun is shining and the temperature is rising …….

You may well see us out and about on safety patrols on Sunday and Monday - give us a wave!

🆘 Incident 🆘 # 32 of 2026

Monday 18th May 12.01hrs

The team was tasked to a report of ordnance on the beach at Holme.

The team was sent to locate and take photographs of the suspected ordnance. Three items of concern were found and photographed. The photos were forwarded to Humber Control, who in turn sent them to EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal).

EOD confirmed that they would attend at approximately 17.45hrs. In the meanwhile, the team maintained a cordon around the suspected ordnance in order to keep members of the public safe.

On arrival, the EOD officers were escorted to the site. Following their inspection, the items were identified as solid shot training rounds and therefore posed no risk. They were removed by the EOD officers for disposal at their base in Colchester.

Humber was advised and the team was stood down at 18.45hrs.

Consequently, after nearly 7 hours on the call out, the usual Monday evening training was cancelled. Ironically, this was going to be held on the beach at Holme!

10/05/2026

🆘 Incident 🆘. # 31 of 2026

Saturday 9th May 22.39 hrs

The team was tasked to a vehicle stuck on the beach with incoming tide at Burnham Overy Staithe.

On arrival the OiC found three people beside the vehicle, which was stuck in the mud of the foreshore and the sea was lapping around the nearside wheels. It was clear that they were well, but were in danger from the encroaching tide if they stayed with the vehicle. They were asked to move to firmer ground, about 20 metres away.

The three said that they had a relative on the way with a 4x4 vehicle to try to pull their vehicle out. They were advised that the Coastguard’s role was not pull the vehicle out, being neither trained nor equipped to do so; the Coastguard was there to ensure the safety of the passengers and driver.

Humber were advised of the situation. The relative with 4x4 arrived quickly and attached a winch, which successfully dragged the vehicle to firmer ground.

The people were given safety advice about parking vehicles on the soft mud and sand of a foreshore and also to heed tide times.

Humber was informed once the vehicle was clear of the mud and all people and vehicles had left the scene. The team was then stood down and all returned to bed.

Wells Coastguard Rescue Team was also in attendance.

If you see someone in danger on the coast, ring 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

04/05/2026

A summary of call-outs over the last few weeks:

🆘 Incident 🆘 # 27 of 2026

Thursday 16th April 19.12 hrs

The team was tasked to meet with and liaise with Norfolk Constabulary and East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust in Hunstanton. No further details will be given.

🆘 Incident 🆘 # 28 of 2026

Saturday 18th April 16.07 hrs

The team was tasked to a casualty reported to have fallen on Wells beach. Stand down was received en route.

🆘 Incident 🆘 # 29 of 2026

Friday 1st May 19.56 hrs

The team was tasked to assist the ambulance service with casualties in the river at King’s Lynn. Sutton Bridge team were also called.

Upon arrival, it was found that one casualty had got themselves out of the water and was safe. The second casualty had been dragged from the water by members of the public and was on a pontoon. Using our basket stretcher, the team and ambulance crew transported the casualty from the pontoon to the quay, where the ambulance was waiting.

Once the casualty was in the ambulance, the team was stood down.

🆘 Incident 🆘 # 30 of 2026

Saturday 2nd May 21.51 hrs

The team, alongside Sutton Bridge Coastguard Rescue Team, was tasked to assist multiple emergency services in Kings Lynn. In attendance were;
the police, ambulance service, fire and rescue service with their drone and the hovercraft from Hunstanton RNLI.

No further details will be given.

15/04/2026

A Tale of Two Searches - one real and one not.

This Monday our training took the form of a simulated search at Holme Dunes. This was a primarily a refresher of a major search incident for our existing 5 Search Team Leaders, but also for Michael, who takes the Search Team Leader course this coming weekend.

The scenario centred around an elderly male, suffering from depression and who had been missing for a number of hours. The location, Holme Dunes, was one of his favourite haunts.

The team split into two and were given designated areas to search. The Search Team Leader’s role is to decide how to search the given area to achieve the best results and to direct his team accordingly.

Following the searches, the teams debriefed, noting any points that went well, as well as areas for improvement.

The team returned to the station and then home.

BUT, no sooner were some in bed and had turned the light out, when a call out came in, for a real search!

🆘 Incident 🆘 # 26 of 2026

Monday 13th April 23.31hrs.

The team was tasked to assist Norfolk Constabulary with a search for a missing, vulnerable person in Hunstanton.

En route the rendezvous point was altered from the lighthouse to the police station. There, we were briefed with a description and an approximate area of the person’s last known position. The team was again divided in two to search the cliff top - the tide being high - and the promenade. The police were to make enquiries at hotels and campsites in the area.

Humber Control was requested for the assistance of a flank team. Wells Coastguard Rescue Team was duly paged. The police requested the use of the Fire Service drone.

The designated areas were searched, with the addition of the beach from Old Hunstanton lifeboat station to the cliffs. No one was found.

At this point, the teams were due to return at the police station, before redeploying with the additional resources of the flank team, to search the base of the cliffs, as the tide had receded by now.

However, before this could happen, information was received from the police that the person had been found safe and well.

The teams were stood down, Wells still being en route, and returned to the station. Back in bed about half past one!

If you see someone in difficulty along the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

10/04/2026

Thanks for giving us a quiet time over Easter. Though always prepared to turn out to coastal emergencies, 24/7 365 days a year, we’re pleased and grateful to be able to enjoy holiday time with our families, just like everyone else.

There’s been a couple of call outs so far this month:

🆘 Incident 🆘 # 24 of 2026

Saturday 4th April 12.33hrs

The team was tasked to assist East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust in locating and extracting a casualty from Brancaster beach.

The team was stood down en route.

🆘 Incident 🆘 # 25 of 2026

Thursday 9th April 17.45hrs

The team was tasked to get eyes on a struggling windsurfer and to direct Hunstanton RNLI to the location. This followed several 999 calls concerning a windsurfer during a sudden squall.

The person was located from a cliff top vantage point and the lifeboat was directed to him via radio. The casualty informed the lifeboat crew that he was not in difficulty, did not require assistance and was confident that he could return to shore unaided. He was in fact using a kite foil, which is a board that lifts the rider above the water, like a hydrofoil.

The information was relayed to Humber Control and both Coastguard and RNLI teams were stood down.

FAGI (false alarm, good intent).

If you see someone in difficulty along the coast, ring 999 and ask for the Coastguard.