Donate now

New Brighton RNLI launch in rough conditions

Lifeboats News Release

Yesterday (30 January), New Brighton RNLI were tasked to reports of a man and dog in difficulty in the Leasowe Bay area.

A bright and clear Thursday morning in New Brighton brought with it the sound of the pager, as New Brighton RNLI's volunteer crew were tasked by HM Coastguard to reports of a man and dog in difficulty in the water in the Leasowe Bay area.

The pager sounded at approximately 11:30am and New Brighton’s Atlantic 85 launched quickly at Portland slipway.

New Brighton is only a couple of days away from spring tides, meaning tidal ranges are currently unusually high. At the time of the pager sounding, New Brighton was on the cusp of a high tide of 9.5m. This, combined with westerly winds, created tricky launch conditions for the volunteer crew.

Once launched, the crew of the B class lifeboat received further information, that the man had been pulled out of the water by a passing off-duty police officer. The man had entered the water to attempt to rescue his dog. Following a brief search by New Brighton RNLI, Coastguard units and Police, the dog was located, having washed up on the beach shortly afterwards. Unfortunately, the dog did not survive.

The man was taken to hospital by ambulance for a check over.

Tom McGinn, Helm at New Brighton RNLI, said:

‘This was a launch in tricky conditions, and the crew performed admirably to ensure it was conducted safely and efficiently. Thankfully, the casualty was rescued in this instance, though it does show the dangers of entering the water in this scenario. The thoughts of us all at New Brighton RNLI are with the dog owner at this difficult time.

'It can be very tough to fight your instinct of going in after a dog, but we’d always urge people not to enter the water. If you ever see an animal in danger on the coast or in the water, please do not attempt to rescue the animal yourself as you could end up in trouble. Instead, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'

Notes to Editors:

New Brighton RNLI was established in 1863 in the bustling seaside resort of New Brighton, on the northeast corner of the Wirral peninsula. They cover the River Mersey and out into the Irish Sea.

The station is home to a B-class Atlantic 85 lifeboat, one of the fastest in the RNLI fleet. The crews at New Brighton have been presented with a remarkable 48 awards for gallantry to date.

RNLI Media Contacts

For more information please contact Connor Wray – Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected].

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789.

[email protected]

Photo looking down Portland slipway in New Brighton. At the bottom, entering the water, can be seen the tractor, carriage and lifeboat. A lot of white water and breaking waves show it is rough conditions for launch.

RNLI/Connor Wray

New Brighton RNLI launch in difficult conditions

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.

Categories