Double call out for RNLI Hoylake Hovercraft during dense fog
On the afternoon of 22 December volunteers from RNLI Hoylake Hovercraft Crew rescued three people cut off by the tide on Middle Eye in the River Dee during poor visibility.
Within 15 minutes of launching, RNLI Hoylake’s Hovercraft located the three people who had found themselves stranded on the small island.
While recovering the casualties on board, the crew received information from the UK Coastguard about a further incident on the West Kirby Marine Wall. Once everyone was safely on board the Hovercraft, the crew were tasked to one person and two dogs who required assistance having found themselves thigh deep in water.
As they were making their way to West Kirby the crew learned that the Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team had recovered this second casualty and all was well. The Hovercraft then landed the first three casualties at Dee Lane to waiting Coastguard Officers.
Hovercraft commander, Chris Wiliams, said ‘In situations like this when visibility is poor it’s even more important for members of the public to check the tide timetables before embarking on a walk, ensure they leave plenty of time and carry a compass. Happily all casualties are safely back on dry land.'
Even during this festive period Royal National Lifeboat Institution volunteers are on standby 24 hours a day ready to fulfil their duty in search and rescue operations.
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For more information please contact Victoria Phipps, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on: 07709 391253.
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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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