On Thursday 15 May, as the lifeboat was being cleaned and rehoused following several hours of training exercises, a call came in from a concerned member of the public.
The individual had spotted a vessel drifting on an ebbing tide near Dee Sailing Club and was worried that someone might be on board. The information was passed to HM Coastguard and at approximately 1.56pm, the crew were tasked and the lifeboat was launched.
After searching upriver, the vessel was located opposite Sheldrakes where it had run aground in the marshland. Two crew members were deployed to investigate and after walking through difficult terrain such as thick mud and deep gullies, the vessel was found to be empty, with no signs of anyone on board.
The boat was then secured and left at anchor, with its location reported to the Coastguard. Enquiries will now be made by the Coastguard to locate the vessel’s owner.
Andy Brown, West Kirby RNLI Launch Authority, said:
‘We’d always prefer to be called out and find nothing than risk someone being in trouble. The member of the public did exactly the right thing - it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
‘We encourage boat owners to ensure their vessels are secured. If you see someone in difficulty near the coast, always call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
‘Thank you to the crew for their continued dedication, especially after a long and physically demanding day at the station.’
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.
Key facts about the RNLI
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.
