MEMBERS of Watchet coastguard were verbally abused by a member of the public after rescuing a seriously injured woman from an incoming tide.

The team had rushed to a medical emergency on Dunster beach on Sunday afternoon after an elderly woman had seriously injured her hip after a fall and was stretchered away from a fast-flooding tide.

The incident happened when the crew returned to their Watchet Esplanade base and found the area crowded with residents and tourists visiting the monthly street fair.

Witnesses said that, while parking their vehicle, they were confronted by a woman who complained that the rescue team should have waited until the crowds had dispersed.

A coastguard spokesman said “[It was] disappointing that a member of the local community decided to give the team verbal abuse, challenging the valuable work that volunteers within the coastguard service undertake.”

Street fair organiser Molly Quint told the Free Press she had immediately spoken to the coastguard team and told them how sorry she was about the incident.

“The coastguard have absolute priority on The Esplanade at all times and we have always made sure that they can enter and leave without hindrance. It is vital that they are not delayed,” she said.

“I can only apologise again and hope that we can continue what has always been an excellent relationship and work alongside each other on street fair days.”

Coastguards and an ambulance team had been called to Dunster beach after reports that an elderly woman had suffered a serious hip injury after a fall and needed to be taken from the beach as quickly as possible.

After paramedics had provided pain-relief, the casualty was carried up the beach and into an ambulance.

The spokesman added: “The incident was time-critical due to the flooding tide and the conditions at the time, which included a strong and chilly onshore wind.

“We wish the lady well, and a speedy recovery.”

Following the claim of verbal abuse, there were over 40 comments on social media ranging from “Disgraceful behaviour – words fail me” to “There aren’t enough thank yous in the world for you guys”.