Safety fears over the Humber Forts near Cleethorpes
Some kayakers and canoeists have got stranded at one of them
Last updated 24th Jul 2021
A warning's been issued to paddleboarders, kayakers and canoeists about the danger of the Humber Forts.
The forts were built just off the coast close to Cleethorpes to protect the Humber estuary many years ago.
The summer tends to see people taking the likes of canoes to enjoy the sea just off Cleethorpes.
However the RNLI is warning of various dangers.
They include rip tides and the possibility of losing a vessel.
Some however have wanted to go a little further particularly to the Haile Sands Fort not far from Humberston.
A second fort is a little further away.
Recently a lifeboat was sent out to the fort because canoeists paddled there, camped out and in the morning discovered there were stranded.
The fort is privately owned and therefore going onto it is trespass.
The RNLI said "It’s a tricky journey, further than it looks, and with a strong rip around it at times. "
"It's over 100 years old now, it’s a big part of the heritage of the area, and it’s saddening to see that people leave their mark on it or try to remove pieces as souvenirs."
“Next, and of paramount importance, we can’t emphasise strongly enough how dangerous it is to jump/ dive/ tombstone from it."
"It’s built on a rocky foundation and there are potentially all manner of underwater hazards with a varying depth of water."
“Please consider that if you become injured there, or separated from your craft, and you need help the lifeboat is going to take a minimum of 25 minutes to get to you."
“If you want to head out and investigate please do, but always with safety in mind.”