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West Kirby RNLI launched to assist two people stranded on Middle Eye

Lifeboats News Release

West Kirby RNLI was tasked to launch following a request for help from the RNLI lifeguards to assist two people stranded on Middle Eye.

West Kirby RNLI BV (Hägglunds Bandvagn 206) all-terrain launching vehicle

RNLI/Miriam Mellors

West Kirby RNLI BV (Hägglunds Bandvagn 206) all-terrain launching vehicle

On Friday 5 July, at 10.40am, the volunteer crew of the West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat was dispatched by HM Coastguard following a call from RNLI lifeguards to assist two people stranded on Middle Eye.

After the D class lifeboat landed on Middle Eye, the crew assessed both individuals and concluded one casualty needed extracting from the Island whilst the other elected to stay until the tide went out.

The first casualty was brought back safely and the Coastguard was mobilised to support casualty care whilst both RNLI lifeguards and the Coastguard continued to monitor the other casualty until he was able to walk ashore.

Andy Brown, West Kirby RNLI Launch Authority said: ‘Never hesitate to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you or anyone is in danger near or on the water - as we are happy to help.

‘It's always safer to go to a beach with RNLI lifeguards on duty, find your local one by visiting the RNLI website here. They'll happily let you know the best places to go and any local dangers.

‘It is important that visitors to Hilbre and the surrounding areas make sure to check tide times before heading out and whilst on the beach, be aware of what the tide is doing remembering that it can come in very fast.’

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Mim Mellors or Eve Kemp RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officers on, [email protected] and [email protected] or 07702786966 and 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.

West Kirby RNLI BV and Lifeguard vehicles on West Kirby beach

RNLI/Miriam Mellors

West Kirby RNLI BV and Lifeguard vehicles on West Kirby beach
West Kirby RNLI BV and Lifeguard vehicles on West Kirby beach

RNLI/Miriam Mellors

West Kirby RNLI BV and Lifeguard vehicles on West Kirby beach

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.