West Kirby RNLI assists in multi agency search for person in the water
The volunteer crew launched alongside HM Coastguard helicopter Rescue 936 and Hoylake RNLI hovercraft, Hurley Spirit, after a 999 call from a concerned member of the public.
At 4.42pm on Monday 16 June, West Kirby RNLI’s volunteer crew were tasked by HM Coastguard following a report from a member of the public who believed they had seen a person in the water near the moorings by West Kirby Sailing Club.
The D class lifeboat, Leonard Pownall, launched swiftly from Sandy Lane slipway and began an immediate search of the area. A crew member was put ashore to speak with a nearby sailor, who confirmed he had not seen anyone enter the water, apart from another individual walking between the shore and his moored boat.
Given the certainty of the original report, the Coastguard requested that West Kirby lifeboat continue searching between the moorings and Hilbre Island. West Kirby’s BV206 launch vehicle was also deployed with additional crew to carry out a shoreline search towards the island.
With the ebbing tide combined with a growing search area, Hoylake RNLI’s hovercraft, Hurley Spirit, was launched and HM Coastguard’s helicopter Rescue 936 was sent to assist.
The BV206 and its crew searched the tideline and east side of Hilbre Island before moving to the top of the island for a wider view of the estuary. While scanning the area with binoculars, an object was spotted in the water approximately one mile north east of the island. The volunteer crew recovered a lifering from the water, but no other items or signs of a person were found.
Rescue 936 conducted an aerial search of the River Dee and surrounding waters, while West Kirby lifeboat continued to sweep the channel.
After over three hours of searching, with nothing found and no one reported missing, the Coastguard stood all units down. The incident was declared a false alarm with good intent, believed to be a sailor wading to his boat.
West Kirby lifeboat returned to station and was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service by 9.30pm.
Richard Diamond, West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said:
‘This was a long shout and our thanks go to the crew and all the agencies involved for their teamwork and commitment during the search.
‘While fortunately no one was found to be in difficulty, the member of the public did exactly the right thing by dialling 999 and asking for the Coastguard.
‘If you see someone you think might be in trouble in or near the water, don’t hesitate to make that call - time can be critical. We'd always much rather launch to a false alarm with good intent than risk someone in danger being missed.’
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, X, 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.