West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat was launched today (Sunday 11) into force five winds
During the solemn placing of wreaths at the West Kirby Cenotaph and shortly after RNLI volunteer Tom Clark had laid the Wreath in respect of HMS Eaglet, the West Kirby volunteers were paged and compelled to leave the ceremony without notice as HM Coastguard requested the launch of the lifeboat.
The Charity’s Lifeboat Seahorse was launched at 11.40hrs on a rising tide to rescue two people and their dog from Middle Hilbre Island. The adult male and female couple; and their dog, had walked to the island to view the seals on the West Hoyle Bank.
During this time the high incoming tide had engulfed them resulting in an impossible return to the mainland without assistance of HMCG and the RNLI volunteers. To compound matters, one of the couple had fallen and suffered a minor injury to his back and both were soaking wet from the waves of the incoming tide that had been whipped up by the wind while they endeavoured to seek safety and were; therefore, at a high risk of developing hypothermia due to the wind chill from the cold on-shore wind.
Within ten minutes of launching the lifeboat the charity’s volunteers were on scene at Middle Hilbre Island and able to help the stranded couple and their dog into the lifeboat and return them to the safety of the shore at the slipway on Dee Lane and into the hands of HM Coast Guards.
The couple, although exceedingly cold and wet from their experience did not require and medical intervention and were grateful to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's (RNLI) volunteers and Her Majesty’s Coast Guards (HMCG) for their assistance today.
This will be last shout for RNLI volunteer Tom Clark; for some time, as Tom leaves for the South Atlantic today to serve in the Royal Navy.
Also, the Lifeboat Helm on todays shout; Chris Gaskin, has recently secured a post with the RNLI as Area Lifeguards Manager for the Isle of Mann. This will undoubtedly reduce Chris’ availability for volunteering for the West Kirby RNLI in the future.
Dave Henshaw Lifeboat Operations Manager Stated
'Yet again a misunderstanding on reading the tides, so easy as it is a complicated subject but just remember DANGER =3 HOURS EITHER SIDE OF HIGH WATER!'
Media contacts
Ed Rowland, Deputy Launching Authority and Lifeboat Press officer, West Kirby RNLI, Contact 07429 277 294 and [email protected]
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.