West Kirby RNLI takes part in multi-agency search
A two hour major search over the Dee estuary was undertaken yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 19 April) involving RNLI volunteers, HM Coastguards and the Police.
HMCG was alerted by a person playing Golf at Calday Golf Club who reported a person in difficulty attempting to get into a small boat some distance off the beach opposite the Golf Course.
The West Kirby RNLI volunteers made haste over the beach from West Kirby to Thurstaston and launched the charity’s lifeboat in the last of the ebbing tide near Dee Sailing Club, whilst an RNLI lifeboat crew member searched the beach from the waterline towards the shore.
Once launched, the RNLI lifeboat searched the area on the Wirral coast and later towards the Welsh coast and further north as the remains of the tide were ebbing at a fast rate and there was a considerable risk of the person who was reported to be in difficulty being washed out to sea.
The RNLI volunteers were assisted by HM Coastguard shore personnel and two helicopters, one from HM Coastguard at Caernarvon and the local Police helicopter.
Following a protracted search of the area for over two hours in favourable conditions which helped the rescue personnel, all were stood down and the helicopters returned to their respective bases in Wales.
As the tide was approaching low water the lifeboat was recovered some distance off to the West of the Hilbre Islands and returned to the West Kirby Lifeboat Station to be washed down and prepared for the next service.
RNLI Photo caption
West Kirby RNLI in action. Credit: Sam Hanson.
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For more information, please contact Ed Rowland, RNLI Volunteer Press Officer at West Kirby, on 07429277294.
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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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