RAF rescue helicopter from Wattisham was involved in the rescue on the North Norfolk coast

Man uses his phone as torch during rescue

Rosa McMahon Friday, December 28, 2012
9:05 AM

A man was rescued after using his mobile phone as a torch after he was cut off by the tide on the North Norfolk coast yesterday afternoon.

At around 4.30pm, Yarmouth Coastguard received a call from a woman reporting that her husband needed help in the area between Brancaster and Wells.

He had been walking his dog but had become cut off, and entered the water to try to get to safety.

The man managed to get out and telephone the coastguard, Rescue teams located him and his dog as he used his mobile phone as a torch.

The Wells and Hunstanton Coastguard Rescue Teams were sent to the area, along with the search and rescue helicopter from RAF Wattisham which took the man to hospital at Kings Lynn.

Christina Martyn, watch manager, said: “If you are cut off by the tide and find yourself unsure of your location, you should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Do not attempt to find your own way back by entering the water.

“To assist the rescue teams in finding you, we recommend you carry a mobile phone, not only so we can talk with you, but so it can also be used as a torch.”