Stranded dog guided to safety in Dee Estuary by Hoylake RNLI and Coastguard

The dog had headed far out from Cubbins Green onto muddy terrain of the Dee Estuary. After spending some time trying to encourage the dog back ashore and with no clear route out and back to safety, the owner called the Coastguard to assist.

Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team soon arrived on scene and located the dog out in the estuary. Hoylake RNLI hovercraft Hurley Spirit and her volunteer crew launched and headed to the dog’s location, guided by Coastguard officers from the shore.

Flying carefully across the mudflats, the RNLI hovercraft guided the dog along an outlet pipe and back to the beach, where the owner was reunited with their canine companion. With no further assistance required, the hovercraft and crew returned to station.

Hoylake RNLI hovercraft was tasked again at 5pm when a person was reported to be cut off by the tide off New Brighton. The hovercraft was stood down shortly after launching when it was confirmed the casualty was safely ashore.

Howie Owen, Hoylake RNLI Coxswain, said: ‘The dog owner made the right call by alerting the Coastguard, rather than putting themself at risk and trying to reach their stranded pet across the mudflats. Dogs will usually make their own way back to safety, but we were happy to help encourage the dog back ashore.’

‘When heading to the coast with your pet, it’s important to keep yourself safe. Remember to keep dogs on a lead near cliff edges, fast flowing water and mud. If your dog enters the water or gets stuck in mud, don't go after them. Move to a place they can reach safely and call them. If you’re still worried for them, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

Media contacts

For more information, please contact:

Dan Whiteley, Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799 851 316 or email [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728 315 or email [email protected]

RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789

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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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