West Kirby RNLI responds to distress call on Hilbre Island

The charity’s inshore lifeboat made its fourth launch of the day to provide assistance to a man in distress and his girlfriend on the north end of Hilbre Island. The BV tractor launched the inshore lifeboat and then continued toward the island to provide assistance by dry land. Seahorse, West Kirby’s inshore lifeboat, approached the area from the seaward side of the island.

The volunteer crew spoke with both parties, and once it was ascertained that they were not in any immediate danger they were quickly transported to Dee Lane. They were met by HM Coastguard and the police who provided advice and further assistance. The BV tractor retrieved the inshore lifeboat and the crew returned to the station to wash down both the inshore lifeboat and BV tractor.

Dave Henshaw, RNLI Launching Authority for West Kirby’s RNLI Lifeboat, says: 'West Kirby RNLI responds to a multitude of incidents and the safety and wellbeing of the individuals involved is at the heart of what we do. At our open day on Monday members of the public will get the chance to talk to the volunteer crew, who are trained and equipped to deal with a variety of situations. Public support and donations are vital so that we can replace and update equipment as required, and to provide a much needed service in the local area.'

Notes to editors

• West Kirby Sea lifeboat station has been operating since 1966. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk.

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For more information please telephone Ed Rowland, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07429 277294 or Vicky Gaskin on 07786 237824 RNLI Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer or Public Relations on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

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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