West Kirby RNLI rescues family and dog stranded by rising tide at Hilbre Island

Volunteer lifeboat crew from West Kirby RNLI sprang into action on Saturday, 1 February, after responding to reports of a woman, child, and their dog stranded by the rising tide on Little Eye, near Hilbre Island.

At 10.48am, HM Coastguard alerted the West Kirby RNLI crew after the stranded group made a 999 emergency call, realising they were surrounded by water.

Within 10 minutes, the D-class lifeboat, Leonard Pownall, launched from Sandy Lane slipway and headed towards the location.

The Coastguard team met the casualties as they came out of the water and checked for any injuries. With them safely back on shore, the lifeboat crew conducted a sweep around Hilbre Island to check for any additional casualties.

During the search, they spotted a man waving for assistance on the southwest corner of Hilbre Island.

On arrival, a crew member went ashore and confirmed that three men had become stranded by the tide and required assistance.

The men were safely brought aboard the lifeboat and transported back to shore via Sandy Lane, where they were checked over by the crew and given a warm drink and biscuits at the lifeboat station. One casualty required minor first aid treatment but was otherwise well.

The Coastguard response team was also present at the station to check on the casualties and ensure they were safe and well. Despite the cold and wet conditions, all casualties were in good spirits and relieved to be back on dry land.

The lifeboat was then washed down, refuelled, and made ready for service.

Andy Brown, West Kirby RNLI Launch Authority, said:

“Thankfully the first casualties had immediately used their mobile phone to dial 999, and asked for the Coastguard. They made the right call without delay, enabling the lifeboat to be on scene so quickly.

“It’s also reassuring to know how vigilant our community is, after a number of members of the public also called in the danger they saw unfolding, thank you, your actions genuinely help save lives at sea.

“Saturday’s rescue was a reminder of how quickly the tide can change and catch people out. We encourage anyone heading out to Hilbre Island, Little Eye or surrounding areas to always check tide times on the Wirral Council website and ensure you have a safe route back.

“Always carry a means of calling for help and if you find yourself in trouble, don’t hesitate to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

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