Hemsby Lifeboat currently off service after further erosion

Around two metres of dunes by the Gap collapsed during the high tide and strong winds on Wednesday, October 2.

The slipway has been washed away and there is currently a drop of approximately five feet down to the shore.

Dan Hurd, lifeboat coxswain, said: "The sea-going lifeboat is now off service. If there are any incidents off Hemsby, we won't be responding."

Dan Hurd, Hemsby lifeboat coxswain. (Image: James Weeds)

He did not say when the lifeboat might be back in service.

Last winter, after incidents of erosion, members of Hemsby's lifeboat crew themselves had to carry out maintenance and repair work at the slipway at Hemsby Gap.

Mr Hurd expressed frustration that efforts to protect the dunes from erosion are "dragging on" and in the meantime the lifeboat service was expected to carry out repairs.

"We shouldn't have to be doing this ourselves," he said, adding that the beach was also used by the public.

He further said that the service is looking to buy a dumper to help with the maintenance work but that it would cost them "an absolute fortune".