St Helen's Fort Walk: Emergency services urge walkers not to take part

In previous years thousands of people have taken part in the unofficial event

People have been urged not to take part in an unofficial mass walk to an offshore fort.

Thousands of people have walked to St Helen's Fort off the Isle of Wight during previous low tides, but with high temperatures forecast, emergency services have advised against taking part.

The event is not officially organised but is discussed on social media.

A coastguard statement said people should not take "unnecessary risks".

The mass walk to St Helen's Fort takes place annually during the lowest tides of the year

Saturday and Sunday will see the lowest tides of the year on the Solent. Temperatures on the island are forecast to peak at 30C later on Sunday.

The low tides allow access to the the 19th Century fort along a causeway, prompting the annual mass walk to the landmark, nevertheless, walkers can still find themselves waist deep in the sea.

'Stay away'

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency statement said: "[We] urge people not to take any unnecessary risks with water safety, such as the Bembridge or St Helen's Fort Walk.

"Our usual summer patrols will be in place this weekend to keep people safe at the coast. If anyone gets into trouble or spots someone in distress, call 999 and ask for the coastguard."

The Isle of Wight Safety Advisory Group also said people should not to attempt the low-tide walk.

"The fort walk is an informal event with no organiser and anyone choosing to do the walk does so at their own risk.

"Please do not put yourselves, volunteers and emergency services at risk.

"To anyone who is thinking about undertaking the walk our advice to them is please stay away and enjoy one of the many safer beaches on the Island instead," it added.

Isle of Wight Council said it was putting controls in place on Duver Road, St Helens to keep access clear for residents and emergency vehicles.

Last year, a group of eight people had to be rescued, while four adults and two children were picked up after being spotted on the causeway as darkness fell.

The privately-owned fort is the smallest of the so-called Palmerston's Follies - a group of sea forts built in the 19th Century to deter a French invasion.