New Brighton RNLI rescue man and dogs whilst on exercise

New Brighton’s B-class, Atlantic 85 lifeboat Charles Dibdin was on a joint exercise with Hoylake RNLI, conducting some training in towing, when Holyhead Coastguard alerted New Brighton to an immediate tasking request, for reports of a man and two dogs cut off by the tide on the North Bank.

In force 4 winds, with a slight sea state and very good visibility, New Brighton made best progress to the casualty location, arriving within approximately ten minutes.

The incident had been called in by numerous 999 calls to the Coastguard, with one member of the public acting admirably to tell the casualty to remain on the sandbank, rather than attempt to swim to safety.

Once on scene, a crew member was able to wade ashore and make contact with the casualty, who was then recovered onto the lifeboat, as well as the two small dogs. The casualties were assessed en route back to New Brighton beach, where they were handed over to shoreside Coastguard Rescue units. All were safe and well, albeit wet and shaken by the incident.

The lifeboat recovered and returned to station to be washed down and prepared for service once more.

Adam Bidston, helm on the night, said:

‘This was another reminder of just how dangerous tidal cut offs can be. With tides as big as they are currently, cut offs can happen very quickly indeed. Thankfully, the man and his dogs were spotted and reported by a number of concerned members of the public, and we were close by to respond quickly. I’d urge anyone out walking on the coast to check tide times before they head out.’

If you see anyone in difficulty on the water, call 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.

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