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West Kirby RNLI rescue three people cut off by the tide at Middle Eye

Lifeboats News Release

On Wednesday 19 June, volunteer lifeboat crew from West Kirby RNLI rescued three people who were cut off by the tide at Middle Eye.

West Kirby RNLI

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At approximately 10.46pm West Kirby RNLI were tasked by HM Coastguard to reports of three people cut off by the tide at Middle Eye.

The casualties had made the call to the Coastguard themselves asking for help after realising they were surrounded by the high tide. The station’s D class inshore lifeboat was launched and proceeded out towards the islands. After landing on the south end of Middle Eye, the three casualties were located and although being cold, no medical attention was required due to the quick response of the lifeboat.

With all the crew and three casualties onboard, they proceeded to Sandy Lane slipway where they were met by additional volunteer crew from West Kirby RNLI, who carried out some further welfare checks and provided safety advice about tide times. The casualties were extremely grateful to the crew for coming to their aid.

Rich Diamond, Lifeboat Operations Manager at West Kirby RNLI said:

'They absolutely did the right thing by staying where they were, not getting into the water and calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard so we could come to their aid. Tide times and heights vary throughout the month and can come in much faster than people anticipate. Our advice is to always check the tide times before you head out, and allow enough time to get back.

'If you are visiting Hilbre Island or Middle Eye please check the Wirral Council website, but as a rule of thumb, you should leave at least 3 hours before high tide. Always carry a means of calling for help, like these casualties did and while you're out be aware of your surroundings and the tide's direction.'

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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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok 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.

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