New Brighton RNLI tasked to River Alt
On Wednesday 18 June, New Brighton RNLI’s volunteer crew were tasked to reports of walkers cut off by the tide at the River Alt.
At approximately 4:25pm the pagers alerted New Brighton’s volunteer lifeboat crew to reports of two walkers that had become cut off by the tide on the banks of the River Alt, and were stranded as a result. Coastguard units in attendance had eyes on the casualties to ensure their safety whilst New Brighton’s relief lifeboat, Roy Snewin, made its way to scene.
The River Alt can be notoriously difficult to navigate at any tide height, due to the narrow channel of operation and shallow waters throughout, as well as multiple fixed mooring buoys along the river.
Conditions on the day were favourable for the crew, with clear skies and excellent visibility. There was a moderate north-westerly breeze and moderate sea state at the time of the tasking.
Arriving on scene at approximately 4:55pm, both casualties were checked over and an initial medical assessment made, before being brought aboard the lifeboat and landed safely with shoreside units.
Thankfully, both casualties were in good health and no further medical support was necessary.
New Brighton’s crew returned to station to wash down and prepare for service once the casualties were safely ashore.
Adam Bidston, helm, said:
‘This was an excellent example of how important it is to carry a means of communication when out enjoying the coastlines this summer. Cut offs by the tide can happen quickly and can happen to anyone. Thankfully, these two casualties were able to alert authorities and were safely rescued before their situation became more dangerous. The crew on the lifeboat showed excellent navigational capabilities in plotting a course through the tricky River Alt to reach the casualties.’
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:
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Danielle Rush
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