Stranded holidaymakers rescued by Ilfracombe lifeboat

ILFRACOMBE S inshore lifeboat rescued a grateful holidaymaking father and two children cut off by the tide near Combe Martin yesterday (Monday.) When the Deborah Brown II picked up the trio from a gap in rocks to the west of the beach, the dad – on holida

ILFRACOMBE'S inshore lifeboat rescued a grateful holidaymaking father and two children cut off by the tide near Combe Martin yesterday (Monday.)

When the Deborah Brown II picked up the trio from a gap in rocks to the west of the beach, the dad - on holiday from London - said he hadn't realised the tide would rise so fast.

The holidaymaker was astounded when the Ilfracombe RNLI crew told him the family would have had to wait three or four hours before being able to walk back to the beach.

Their predicament was spotted by Ilfracombe Harbourmaster Rob Lawson, who raised the alarm.

Leigh Hanks, helmsman for Ilfracombe inshore lifeboat, said; "The man and his children were very grateful for our help. Anyone visiting the coast should get tidal information. You can always ask in the beach shops or cafes, someone locally should be able to give you information about the tides.