The RNLI in West Kirby and Hoylake were tasked to three separate incidents on Bank Holiday Monday.
At 6.46am, they were requested to launch by the Coastguard after Hoylake RNLI had established a tow on their return from a previous shout. The vessel had been found drifting towards the Mersey shipping lane.
West Kirby’s lifeboat met Hoylake lifeboat at approximately 7.15am, and brought the vessel down the channel towards West Kirby Sailing Club moorings, where it was secured when there was enough water at 11:30am.
In the meantime, the crew were diverted to reports of two people and their dog at risk of being cut off by the incoming tide near Tansky’s Rocks, where they discovered the group had made it safely back to shore.
At 10.22pm, the Coastguard requested the launch of West Kirby lifeboat alongside Hoylake RNLI’s hovercraft to begin a search from Bird Island eastwards for a missing person reported chest deep in water near Hoylake. The crew were stood down once it was confirmed they had been located.
Rich Diamond, West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: “This proved to be a long day for our crew with three separate shouts from early morning to late into the evening.
“I’d like to extend my thanks for all of the hard work and time that has been given today, with time spent away from family and friends on the bank holiday.
“I’d also like to remind the public that West Kirby Lifeboat Station is only manned during operations and is not staffed at any other times. If you or anybody else is in difficulty at the coast, please call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
Photo credit: RNLI/Sam Hanson