The Hoylake RNLI hovercraft was requested to launch by the UK Coastguard at 6:54pm yesterday to reports of a number of people thought to be at risk of getting cut off by the incoming tide in the dark off Caldy.
A member of the public was concerned after seeing torchlights on Caldy Blacks sandbank in the River Dee.
The hovercraft ‘Hurley Spirit’ and her volunteer crew launched and headed to West Kirby Sailing Club slipway to rendezvous with Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team. The coastguard now believed the people were cocklers working at the Dee Causeway.
The hovercraft headed down the coastline and located the people, who were in fact cockle fishing in the area and required no assistance. Hoylake RNLI hovercraft crew confirmed this with the coastguard and carried out a sweep along the beach to ensure nobody else was in difficulty.
The hovercraft was then stood down and returned to the lifeboat station to be washed down, refuelled and made ready for service again.
If you’re heading to the coast, please stay safe and #RespectTheWater:
- Always check tides, weather, and safety signage. Find tides online at bbc.co.uk/weather/coast-and-sea/tide-tables
- On dark autumn evenings, dress appropriately for the conditions and consider taking a torch
- Keep an eye on your surroundings and know your route to safety
- Always carry a means of calling for help
- Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back
- If you or anyone else gets into difficulty at the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard
Image credit: RNLI/Hoylake
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