This morning, Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team was tasked to a male cut off by the incoming tide on North Bank in New Brighton.
With the tide rapidly rising and the sandbank completely surrounded by water with the person stranded, the attendance of the RNLI’s Hoylake Hovercraft and New Brighton Lifeboat was requested.
Shortly after the team arrived on scene, 2 local fishing vessels were seen proceeding to the aid of the stranded male. Coastguard Rescue Officers liaised with the vessels on VHF Radio Channel 16 to co-ordinate the rescue whilst Control Room Operators from Holyhead Coastguard Operations Centre remained on the phone to the casualty throughout the incident offering advice and reassurance.
The male was taken on board one of the fishing vessels and brought ashore to awaiting Coastguard Rescue Officers and RNLI Crew. Cold, wet and in shock, the male was checked over and luckily did not require any further medical attention.
Danny Aspey, Deputy Station Officer for Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team said “This incident was a stark reminder of how quickly the tide comes in and how easy it is to get caught out if you don’t check tide times. If you are heading to the coast, you must check tide times first and when you are there, be very aware of your surroundings.
“We would like to express our thanks to the fishing vessels who assisted in this rescue and to the quick-thinking member of the public who gathered some of the lifesaving equipment from Kings Parade in case it was needed. If you see someone in trouble on the coast or you get into difficulty yourself, always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
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