Hoylake RNLI hovercraft was requested to launch by the UK Coastgaurd at 11.27am following multiple 999 calls from concerned members of the public. They had seen a person enter the water between Dovepoint in Meols and Leasowe Lighthouse. The person, who had been out digging bait, was struggling to reach the shore as the gullies across the beach filled with water.
With the tide still flooding, the RNLI hovercraft Hurley Spirit and her volunteer crew launched and quickly headed to the casualty’s reported location. Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team had also been tasked and a Coastguard Rescue Officer (CRO) had crossed the beach and entered the water to reach the casualty.
The hovercraft arrived on scene shortly after launching, where the RNLI crew found the casualty sat waist deep in water with the CRO. The casualty was brought on board the hovercraft and the crew carried out a medical assessment. He was exhausted and suffering the effects of having been in the cold water, so the crew wrapped him in blankets to keep him warm.
It was decided to bring the casualty ashore at Meols and after a short flight across the beach, the casualty and the CRO were landed by the steps in the sea wall. The casualty was passed to the care of a North West Ambulance Service paramedic and Coastguard officers before being taken to hospital for further assessment. Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were also in attendance.
Hoylake RNLI hovercraft crew member Colin Gordon said: ‘The casualty had a very lucky escape. He was cold, exhausted and his condition was deteriorating quickly. As the flooding tide had cut him off completely from the shore, without assistance from the emergency services the outcome could have been very different.’
‘If you’re heading out across the beach, we urge everyone to check tide times and heights, to stay aware of your surroundings, and to make sure you have a safe route to return to shore. It’s a good idea to tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back and to always carry a means of calling for help. In an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
Hoylake RNLI
Hoylake RNLI hovercraft headed quickly to the scene as the tide was still flooding
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 142,700 lives.
