Lifeboat Launch Ramp Destroyed by Storm Darragh’s High Tides

The launch ramp for a lifeboat was destroyed by high tides during Storm Darragh, rendering the vessel temporarily “out of service.” Dan Hurd, the coxswain of Hemsby Lifeboat, reported that sections of Norfolk’s coastline experienced additional erosion over the weekend. In the last ten years, over 25 residences in Hemsby, situated close to Great Yarmouth, have been claimed by the sea. Mr. Hurd expressed concern that a high tide anticipated for Sunday night could inflict more damage. Great Yarmouth Borough Council stated it was “monitoring the situation.” He stated, “Tonight we’ve got another high tide here, about half-past twelve… so we’re expecting more damage.” He added, “The concern for us is the properties further along the coast.” According to Mr. Hurd, high tides also inflicted damage upon the car park adjacent to Hemsby Gap, the location from which the lifeboat is launched. The ramp had previously been destroyed in October, when strong winds and heavy rain caused it to collapse, creating a 1.5m (5ft) drop. Mr. Hurd commented, “The ramp’s being repaired constantly. It’s all we seem to do at the moment.” He further remarked, “It just seems ludicrous that we’re getting no help.” Met Office yellow weather warnings for wind had been in effect across most areas of Norfolk for the preceding five days, as Storm Darragh traversed England and Wales. The final warning concluded earlier at 18:00 GMT. Mr. Hurd noted that concrete blocks placed in front of the lifeboat station had safeguarded it from the sea. In January, the lifeboat organization declared its intention to seek a new location “rather than wait for the inevitable.” Estimates suggest that Hemsby’s coastline has receded by 300m since the 1970s. Last December, five properties required demolition because of the danger of their collapse into the sea, following a partial cliff collapse. Earlier this week, as Storm Darragh approached, a council spokesperson stated: “Unfortunately the dunes in Hemsby are vulnerable to continued erosion and, now we are in storm season, we want to provide as much warning and support as we can to those residents who might be affected in a location which is seeing the all-too-real impact of coastal erosion.”