West Kirby RNLI launched to teenager stuck on cliff ledge on Middle Eye

On Wednesday 20 August 2025 at 6.45pm, the volunteer crew at West Kirby RNLI were paged following reports of a person stuck on a cliff ledge on Middle Eye.

The D class lifeboat, Leonard Pownall, was launched within ten minutes and located a teenager stranded around 15ft from the base of the cliff. A crew member was put ashore to assess the situation and found the casualty unable to climb to safety unaided. As a result, the crew supported the casualty back to safety.

Once the individual was safe, along with his group of six others, they were helped safely back to shore, where they were met by the Coastguard and provided with safety advice.

The lifeboat returned to station to be cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service by 8.30pm.

Neil Potter, West Kirby RNLI, said:

‘We’d encourage everybody to take care when on the islands as the terrain is uneven and can often be slippy.

‘The group did exactly the right thing in asking for help for the individual, and we’d encourage everybody to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if in difficulty. West Kirby lifeboat station is not manned 24/7, so it is important to call 999 and not the station directly.

‘Thankfully, this was a good outcome with everybody returning safely, with thanks to the crew and all agencies involved.’

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Eve Kemp, Lifeboat Press Officer, on [email protected] 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.