Boys rescued from sandbank

Two boys were rescued off a sand bank near Wells next night after being cut off by the tide. The alarm was raised when the two were seen up to their waists in water trying to cross the channel in Wells Harbour when the tide was coming in just after 7.

Two boys were rescued off a sand bank near Wells next night after being cut off by the tide.

The alarm was raised when the two were seen up to their waists in water trying to cross the channel in Wells Harbour when the tide was coming in just after 7.30pm.

A member of the public had phoned the coastguard who alerted the Wells lifeboat.

However, people on board a boat moored near the boys, saw what happened and went to their assistance.

They launched the boat's tender and picked them up.

They had been cut off on a sandbank between the town and the beach.

When the tide started to run they tried to wade back across the channel to safety but were beaten by the force of the water.

When the lifeboat got to the scene, the boys were transferred from the tender to the lifeboat who ferried them ashore.

It was all over in 10 minutes.

Peter Rainsford, of the RNLI, said: 'The lads were lucky, they were quickly spotted by observant members of the public and they had the sense to stay where they were.

'The tide at the moment is extremely strong and should be treated with respect.

'A siren sounds just before it starts to run, warning the public to return to the land side of the channel.'