Two young cousins, Kizza, aged 12, and Subby, aged 10, were rescued in a dramatic incident at Blackpool, a popular resort town in the UK, while celebrating the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha with their family. The boys found themselves trapped beneath the iconic Blackpool Pier when the tide suddenly surged, resulting in a terrifying situation for the young children and their family.
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On 28 May, while enjoying their day by the seaside, the cousins were caught off guard when the tide began to rise rapidly. Reports indicate that they became trapped under the pier with waves crashing around them. Their older cousin, Ted, aged 21, tried to reach the boys but found himself clinging desperately to the pier in an attempt to offer assistance.
Zully, the mother of Subby and aunt to Kizza, was present during the ordeal and described the scene as harrowing. In a statement released by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Zully recounted, “The tide started to come in quickly, and I could see the boys in the distance. They were stuck and the water was rising rapidly.” Understandably distraught, she detailed the fear she witnessed in her son’s eyes as he struggled just beneath the surface.
As the situation grew increasingly dire, Zully highlighted that the boys had been clinging to their precarious position for approximately 40 minutes. “I could see the water going over his head and him gasping for air, but I was struggling to see if he’d come back up again,” she said, illustrating the gravity of the situation.
Amidst the panic, a bystander made a call to the emergency services. Within minutes, Blackpool’s RNLI volunteers were dispatched to the scene, arriving in four minutes to commence the rescue operation. Footage from the RNLI rescue teams captured the poignant moment when the boys were pulled from the water, while Ted was rescued shortly after.
Upon seeing Subby brought ashore on the lifeboat, Zully remarked, “It was like a miracle. I thought he’d gone. He survived because of these people who are volunteers. It was like a dream come true.” Her words reflect a deep appreciation for the bravery of the rescuers, who are often ordinary individuals balancing their own jobs and family life while selflessly helping others in distress.
The family’s experience has gained traction, especially with World Drowning Prevention Day approaching on 25 July. Chris Cousens, the RNLI Water Safety Lead, emphasised the importance of being aware of tide times, carrying a fully charged mobile phone, and knowing what to do if one finds themselves in danger in the water. He provided vital advice, encouraging individuals to “Find Your Float,” a technique that helps conserve energy and allows for a calmer response in emergencies.
Cousens explained how to effectively float: “Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. It’s fine if your legs sink — we all float differently. By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing.”
This distressing incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise during seemingly innocent outings by the water. The RNLI continues to work towards educating the public about water safety, and the courageous actions of volunteers like those at Blackpool highlight the critical role they play in safeguarding lives.
The family’s near-tragic experience offers a poignant lesson in the need for awareness and preparedness when engaging in recreational activities near water. It is a sentiment echoed by many organisations concerned with safety, reinforcing the message that vigilance, knowledge, and action can save lives.