West Kirby RNLI tasked to a sailor in distress

West Kirby RNLI volunteer crew was requested by HM Coastguard at 10:52am to assist casualties on a yacht near to West Kirby moorings. The volunteer crew were participating in a routine exercise in the vicinity and so were 500 metres away from the yacht and were able to reach the incident within a minute. Upon arrival at the scene, West Kirby RNLI found a male casualty in need of medical attention and quickly transferred him to the inshore lifeboat for transport to West Kirby slipway, where upon the casualty was passed into the care of North West Ambulance Service.

Speaking following the call out, Andrew Brown, West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat Deputy Launch Authority said: ‘It was a very quick and professional multi-agency response today. The speed at which we were able to provide assistance was as a consequence of the casualties involved having a VHF radio onboard their yacht. Always have a means of communication when out at sea so you can call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you require assistance.’

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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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.