Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Beached Whale Saved From Drowning

A 300-lb vacationer in Britain found herself stranded in her deckchair as the tide came in and started lapping at her feet. The woman, estimated by some onlookers to weigh over 20 stone, had been unable to get out of the chair after its legs became firmly wedged in the ground.

Other day trippers who had awakened from their afternoon naps nearby had managed to scramble to safety because their deckchairs were resting on firmer foundations.

But it took two lifeguards in yellow jumpsuits and wellington boots to rescue the turban-wearing tourist, said to be 49 and from Belgium. Two of them pried her free just as the water came up the beach, watched by a crowd of onlookers.

Ronald Coleman, 74, one of those who witnessed the distressing scene at Westcliffon-Sea, Essex, said: "The tide was racing in. She was lucky."

No comments: