New Brighton RNLI oversee extensive multi-agency search in River Mersey

Initial reports were of a male observed entering the water in the King’s Parade area of Liverpool, not far from the M&S Bank Arena. New Brighton’s volunteer crew launched around midnight and joined Marine Fire One, who were already on scene conducting initial searches.

In windy and cloudy conditions, with force 5 north-westerly winds on scene, though smooth seas, New Brighton RNLI worked alongside Marine Fire One and Njord Skua, a commercial vessel, to undertake further searches. Soon after, HM Coastguard helicopter Rescue 336 also arrived on scene to assist.

Rhyl’s All-Weather Lifeboat (ALB) was called to assist with the multi-agency search in the river at approximately 2.36am. The ALB was launched at approximately 3.10am, arriving on scene a short time later.

At around 3:30am New Brighton RNLI returned to New Brighton beach to conduct a crew change, before rejoining search efforts. A further crew change was carried out at 8am, before the search was eventually suspended for all assets at 9am.

Upon returning to station, New Brighton RNLI received a new tasking to reports of two fishermen cut off by the tide in the Leasowe Bay area. The fishermen were able to self-recover with no need for the lifeboat to relaunch.

Fliss Green, Helm for New Brighton RNLI, said:

‘This was an excellent example of multiple agencies working together seamlessly to offer the best chance of locating a casualty. Rhyl RNLI, New Brighton RNLI, Coastguard assets and Marine Fire One worked tirelessly through the night, co-ordinating search patterns and ensuring a thorough and expansive search area. This tasking is a good reminder of the dangers of the coastline. If you see someone in difficulty near the coast, always 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.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Connor Wray, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Wales & West, [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]

Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

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