Flint RNLI tasked to unidentified object on sandbank

A member of the public had made an emergency call advising someone possibly stuck on a sandbank. After the Flint Coastguard team's initial investigation it was thought a large log was located on the bank. With the incoming tide Flint Lifeboat launch from Greenfield Dock to investigate the object.

After launch the lifeboat went to the suspected location but with nothing easily visible due to incoming tide and fading light, a white para flare was set off the help illuminate the surrounding area. The lifeboat continued to search the immediate area towards Heswall where the member of public had made the report. The lifeboat conducted a search pattern back towards Greenfield and a second para flare was set off once again to illuminate the area. With nothing seen by both lifeboat or Flint CRT, the UK Coastguard was happy for both teams to stand down.

Flint Lifeboat Helm James Davies said:

'This was a call made with good intent with lots of debris in the estuary due to poor weather conditions and flood water. If you think there could a problem on river it is always best to report in by calling 999 and asking for the coastguard.'

Notes to editors 

• Flint RNLI lifeboat station was established in 1966. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/flint 

• Since 1966 Flint Lifeboat has launched over 700 times, saved 103 lives, and rescued a further 148 people.  

• Flint lifeboat and its volunteers responded to 14 calls in 2018 

• Potential lifeboat crew and fundraising volunteers, contact Alan Forrester on 07785593247 

RNLI media contacts

For more information contact Carly McCarthy and Aby Norwood Flint RNLI volunteer press officers, on [email protected] or [email protected]. Alternatively contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 07771 941390 or RNLI Press Office 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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