A group of 60 Scottish cocklers and another team of 76 Chinese cocklers had to be shepherded to safety - only a few miles from where 21 pickers drowned in February.

RNLI hovercraft, RAF rescue helicopters and inshore lifeboats were called to the scene four miles from the coast near Newbiggin at 1000 BST on Saturday.

A spokesman said it was the 16th operation launched this year to rescue stranded cocklers in the area.

Coastguards had to marshal scores of cocklers from the treacherous sands - some of whom were trying to wander off to carry on working.

At least 21 Chinese cockle pickers were killed just a few miles away near Hest Bank in February after they became stuck as the tide came in.

Poor visibility

A coastguard spokesman said: "Our concern was heightened this morning by the fact that the group had splintered into various smaller groups who were all making their way back.

"There were about 30 or 40 cocklers who said they wanted to carry on working but the problem was the trailers they wanted to use to come back on were not serviceable.

"A local guide also cancelled his regular walk across the sands, as in his view conditions were too bad. It is very hazy and visibility is poor."

A spokesman for Cumbria Police said they were considering whether to bring criminal charges against any of those involved.

He said: "Further inquiries are continuing in relation to criminal matters and our officers are liaising with the Health and Safety Executive over safety issues."

Geraldine Smith, the Labour MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, has made fresh calls for tougher regulations for cockle picking in the area.

Frankly I think their attitude is complacent MP Geraldine Smith

"There is a tragedy waiting to happen in that bay," she said.

"I have tried to make it crystal clear that if further action is not taken, someone will die."

"I have been fully aware of the continuing problems and issues and I have done everything I possibly can to highlight them. Now it is really up to the government to do something about the situation."

She said there was a particular problem with Chinese illegal workers at Morecambe Bay, and called for temporary work permits for them and a proper licensing system.

"The Health and Safety Executive seem to feel the bay is a safe place to work, as long as you follow all the necessary procedures.

"But that just doesn't happen. It is a very, very dangerous place to work. Frankly I think their attitude is complacent."

Last week, the Department for Environment, Food and Regional Affairs (Defra) issued a consultation document on the establishment of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority, which will operate s licensing scheme. The consultation is due to close at the end of October.

'Advice given'

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said one of its officers was en route to Morecambe Bay to look into the latest incident.

A HSE spokesman said it had been working with Defra and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to try to tackle such problems.

"In May we issued guidelines, and translated them into Chinese, for safe working in estuaries and tidal areas. Our inspectors went down to Morecambe Bay and distributed copies to cockle pickers there. We continue to work with other agencies."

The spokesman added: "We have done everything sensible and reasonable. We can give people advice and guidance about the dangers and what to do when things go wrong, and translate it where necessary. That is what we have done."