8 rescued, 15 still missing after trapped at English bay

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, February 06, 2004

8 rescued, 15 still missing after trapped at English bay

Eight cockle pickers have been rescued while another 15 or so are still missing since they were trapped on a sandbank by the rising tides at Morecambe Bay, northwestern England, on Thursday night.

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Eight cockle pickers have been rescued while another 15 or so are still missing since they were trapped on a sandbank by the rising tides at Morecambe Bay, northwestern England, on Thursday night.

A major rescue operation, which involves two British Royal Air Force (RAF) helicopters, a police helicopter, a hovercraft and lifeboats, is underway.

"Literally every minute counts now for the rescuers. It is a matter of life and death," Michael Mulford, a spokesman for RAF, told BBC News Online.

Most of the trapped were believed to be Chinese and were thought to have been out collecting cockles when they became trapped, possibly by mud.

One person has been taken to hospital in Lancaster in a critical condition after being rescued by a lifeboat. He was said to be suffering from hypothermia.

"It is not surprising given the temperature of the water," Mulford said.

Another seven have come ashore safely in nearby Bolton le Sands,north of Morecambe, a popular spot for cocklers. An interpreter ison the scene to help with language difficulties as the rescued does not speak English.

Earlier, a spokeswoman from the Ministry of Defense said: "The group were out collecting cockles and appear to have become trapped, possibly by mud, and are being threatened by what is being described to me as being a fairly strong incoming tide, so they are at serious risk of drowning."

Ric Phillips from RAF Kinloss said the weather was not too difficult for the rescue but the darkness was causing a problem.

"The tide went fairly rapidly from waist level on these people up to their necks," he said.

"They're now floating around so the difficulty is going to be locating them in the dark," he said.

The group is believed to be Chinese and are thought to have been out collecting cockles when they became trapped, possibly by mud.

Cockle picking is not illegal, but locals have lodged complaints following reports that groups of fishermen from across Britain were flocking to Morecambe Bay, eager to get their hands on the shellfish from the beach.

Since 1536, guides have been employed to lead people across thetreacherous sands at Morecambe Bay safely. Today there is still anofficial guide for the walk across the sands.

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