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West Kirby RNLI tasked to assist a dog stranded in Parkgate

Lifeboats News Release

West Kirby RNLI was tasked to launch following a request from HM Coastguard to assist a dog stranded in the marshland of Parkgate.

Lifeboat on the back of the BV Hagglund launch vehicle about to leave West Kirby station as a member of crew alights the vehicle

RNLI/Eve Kemp

Lifeboat and crew leaving West Kirby Lifeboat Station

The volunteer crew were paged by HM Coastguard at 3.59pm on Wednesday 7 August after reports of one person and a dog becoming stuck in the marshland in Parkgate. Upon launching the D class lifeboat at 4.12pm, the crew were informed that the person had freed himself from the marshes whilst the dog had continued to run south.

The crew launched from the west side of Hilbre Island, making their way south down the channel. After arriving in the Thurstaston area, the helm took the decision to stand off due to lack of water and a falling tide, which would risk the lifeboat becoming stranded.

The Coastguard subsequently stood the lifeboat down and tasked Coastguard officers and other emergency service personnel to the scene. After a long search, the dog was found safe and well in Neston by the Coastguard Rescue Team.

Andy Brown, West Kirby RNLI Launch Authority, said:

‘We are pleased that the dog was unharmed and reunited safely with their owner. We would remind dog walkers of the risks involved if their four-legged friends are to run off into the marshes or tide. Please never attempt to rescue an animal or person yourself, as this can often result in you being placed in danger, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Mim Mellors or Eve Kemp RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officers on, 07702786966 or 07446888713.

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315, or the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 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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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.

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