Photo reveals 1969 Easter rescue

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/kent/7995848.stm

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A photograph that shows a family being rescued by coastguards on Easter Day in Kent after being cut off by the tide 40 years ago has been unearthed.

The picture taken in St Margaret's Bay in 1969 shows coastguard Dick Townshend handing one of the children to police.

The family from Horsmonden, Kent, and a couple from London, were sheltered by a tarpaulin until the tide went back out.

Mr Townshend, who still works as a coastguard, said the dangers remained the same in 2009.

His diary from the time said the conditions were so bad they could not get a lifeboat to them and the station officer decided against hauling them up the cliff face.

'Stay put'

It reads: "Thankfully they have managed to reach a large mound of chalk which has been left by a recent cliff fall and it is high enough for them to climb on to it to get away from the huge seas that are now breaking against the cliff face.

"The rough seas make it impossible to attempt to get a lifeboat anywhere close to the family and it is decided the casualties are at less risk by remaining where they are until the tide recedes."

It continues: "[Station officer Nick Carter] shouts to casualties advising that they will have to 'stay put until the tide goes out and that we will drop a tarpaulin for them to shelter under'."

The rescued family were named as Donald, 36, and Enid Chappel, 30, of Orchard Way, Horsmonden, their children Ann Louise, seven, and Jocelyn, nine, and Leslie and Lynn Kennedy, of Streatham, south London.

Mr Townshend said: "Families still get caught out and cut off by the tide every year.

"I remember this rescue call very well and was recently given a photograph taken at the time as well as a newspaper cutting of the story.

"It would be nice to hear how the family are getting along 40 years later."