The volunteer crew responded to back-to-back incidents on Tuesday 13 May, as rising tides led to separate reports of people in difficulty around the islands.
The lifeboat was first launched at 10.45am following reports of two individuals cut off by the flooding tide, approximately halfway between Middle Eye and Little Eye. The casualties were spotted standing on rocks, surrounded by water.
Upon arrival, the lifeboat crew located the pair on one of the last remaining uncovered rocks in the area. Both individuals were recovered to the safety of Sandy Lane slipway, with no medical attention required. They were met by Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team who provided safety advice.
While returning to shore, the crew also checked on four people on Middle Eye and one person on Hilbre Island, all of whom were safe and well and chose to remain on the islands until the tide was back out.
Shortly after launching again for a training exercise, the crew were re-tasked ten minutes in, following reports of two people on an inflatable between Bird Island and the north end of Hilbre.
On arrival, the crew identified two individuals paddleboarding who confirmed they were not in difficulty. A search was conducted of the surrounding area to ensure there were no further casualties, before the crew resumed their training exercise.
Tom Clark, West Kirby RNLI Helm, said:
‘We’ve been blessed with great weather this last week, which is due to continue, and it’s great to see so many people enjoying our beautiful coastline.
‘If you’re visiting the islands, please check the tide times and ensure you leave Hilbre Island at least three hours before high water.
‘If you plan on enjoying the water, please check tide times, wind directions and speeds, wear a lifejacket and always have a means of calling for help. If you need help, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
‘It has again been a busy time for us as a station and I thank our volunteers and their families for their dedication and professionalism.’
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Mim Mellors or Eve Kemp RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officers on
[email protected] and
[email protected] or 07702786966 and 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.
The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
