Norfolk Coastline Experiences Further Dune Erosion, Lifeboat Crew Reports

An additional three metres of coastal sand dunes in Norfolk have been eroded and carried away by the sea, a lifeboat coxswain has reported. Dan Hurd from Hemsby Lifeboat stated that a significant portion of the coastline has “disappeared.” Over the past decade, more than 25 residences in Hemsby, including five cliffside properties last year, have been lost to the sea. Great Yarmouth Borough Council, which holds responsibility for managing the erosion, indicated that the beach at Hemsby remains “vulnerable.” Mr. Hurd described this week’s erosion as having created the “worst” drop he has observed from the dunes down to the beach, measuring approximately 12ft (4m). He commented, “A lot of coastline has disappeared, we’re not sure what’s going to happen there.” During Storm Darragh in early December, high tides caused the destruction of the lifeboat team’s launch ramp, an event that also occurred in October. A council spokesperson affirmed: “No properties have been affected, but it remains the case that the dunes and beach in Hemsby are vulnerable to continued erosion.” The council maintains vigilance and persists in monitoring the situation. The Environment Agency reported its close collaboration with the council regarding coastline management strategies. A proposal for a sea defence berm, intended to span 0.8 miles (1.3km) along the Hemsby coastline to safeguard the village from erosion, has received a licence from the Marine Management Organisation. Nevertheless, the council would be required to secure approximately £20m for its funding. Further Norfolk news can be accessed via BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. This content is copyrighted by BBC 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external sites. Details on the BBC’s external linking policy are available.