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West Kirby RNLI assist four people and a dog cut off by the tide on Middle Eye

Lifeboats News Release

On Sunday 21 July at 11am, HM Coastguard requested the assistance of West Kirby RNLI to assist four people and a dog cut off by the tide on Middle Eye following a call from RNLI lifeguards.

View of West Kirby Beach with the island in the distance, individuals walking to shore and the Hagglund BV206 launch vehicle in the forefront.

RNLI/Joe Hughes-Jones

Hagglund BV206 launch vehicle on West Kirby Beach

West Kirby RNLI was tasked by the Coastguard on Sunday morning following a request from RNLI lifeguards reporting that four people and a dog were stranded on Middle Eye. The RNLI charity volunteers launched within 15 minutes of receiving the request for assistance.

Upon sighting the casualties on Middle Eye, the three crew members transferred the group to the D class inshore lifeboat and returned them safely to shore at the north end of West Kirby Marine Lake. They were all unharmed and no medical assistance was required.

The lifeboat then returned to Sandy Lane slipway for recovery by the Hagglund BV206 launch vehicle, before returning to the station to be cleaned and refuelled, ready for service.

Andy Brown, West Kirby RNLI Launch Authority, said:

‘If you are visiting Hilbre, or any of the islands, please check the Wirral Council website for tide times, however as a rule of thumb, we’d advise setting off to walk back to West Kirby 3 hours before high water.

‘Always be aware of the tide, it doesn’t flood in a straight line, and can surround you quickly. Please remember to carry a means of communication, and don’t hesitate to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard the moment you believe you, or anyone else, may be in danger, we’re always happy to help.’

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Mim Mellors or Eve Kemp RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officers on, 07702 786 966 or 07446 888 713.

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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