Hoylake RNLI hovercraft launches to people cut off by tide in Leasowe Bay
Hoylake RNLI hovercraft was requested to launch by the UK Coastguard at 12:05pm today to reports of several people cut off by the incoming tide on the Wirral coast. Some had reportedly entered the water in Leasowe Bay, crossing the flooding channel to reach the sea wall.
The RNLI hovercraft Hurley Spirit and her volunteer crew launched and headed quickly towards Leasowe. Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team had also been tasked and while the hovercraft was en route, the Coastguard confirmed there was only one casualty still cut off by the tide near Leasowe Lighthouse.
Two Coastguard officers had waded across the gutter and reached the casualty, before the hovercraft arrived to meet them. The casualty was brought on board the hovercraft and as she required no medical attention, the RNLI crew flew her safely ashore to the steps in the sea wall at Meols.
The casualty was passed to waiting Coastguard officers before the hovercraft returned to the lifeboat station to be washed down, refuelled and made ready for service again.
Hoylake RNLI hovercraft commander Harry Jones said: ‘Our local beaches are likely to get busier as we head towards the spring, so the RNLI is asking everyone to stay safe if you’re heading to the coast for exercise.’
‘Please check local tide times, weather forecasts and safety signage. Keep an eye on your surroundings and know your route to safety. Always carry a fully-charged phone and if you or someone else gets into difficulty, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
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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