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WALKERS RESCUED FROM MUD BY HOYLAKE RNLI
A cliff collapse on Thurstaston shore led to a dramatic , multi-agency rescue when two people found themselves stuck in thick mud while walking on the beach .
Hoylake RNLI ’ s volunteer crew were paged by the UK Coastguard at 12.47pm and launched their Inshore Rescue Hovercraft Hurley Spirit , before quickly heading to the scene near to Wirral landmark Sally ’ s Cottage . The Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Wirral , Flint and Crosby Coastguard Rescue Teams had also been tasked and officers were on scene , where the casualties were stuck up to their waists at the base of the cliffs .
The clay from the recent collapse and the flooding tide had made the terrain boggy and difficult to access . With the unstable cliffs above , the casualties ’ location was particularly hazardous . The Hoylake RNLI crew and other emergency services worked together to free the first casualty within minutes , who was brought on board the hovercraft . The second casualty , who had injured their leg , then had to be carefully dug out by hand but was eventually extracted and brought on board the hovercraft using the Coastguard ’ s basket stretcher .
The casualties , accompanied by two firefighters , were flown ashore to Dee Sailing Club slipway and were passed to the care of the North West Ambulance Service . The hovercraft then returned to the scene to collect the rescue equipment and two Coastguard officers . With the incident safely concluded , the RNLI hovercraft and her crew returned to Hoylake Lifeboat Station to be washed down , refuelled and made ready for service again . Hoylake RNLI volunteer hovercraft commander Matt Pownall- Jones said : ‘ This incident was time critical given the difficult terrain and the flooding tide . Through the coordinated efforts of the different emergency services , together we were able to free the casualties and bring them back to safety .’
‘ Recent poor weather and coastal erosion has made this stretch of coast particularly dangerous and we advise anyone using their local coastline for exercise during lockdown to keep well away from cliffs and muddy areas .’
The incident came in the run up to school half-term – a time when the RNLI is urging anyone who is able to visit the coast to stay safe and not take any unnecessary risks that may put extra pressure on the emergency services .
Although parents and children who live near our coast may choose to exercise there during lockdown , the RNLI does not recommend that this exercise is in or on the sea .
Every time a lifeboat crew is called to an incident , it puts additional pressure on RNLI volunteers and other frontline emergency services , as well as potentially exposing them to COVID-19 .
Stuart Wallace , RNLI Regional Lifesaving Lead for the North West said : ‘ We are encouraging everyone to follow government guidance on what they are able to do and where they are able to go during lockdown . For those lucky enough to live close to a coastal area , we would urge them to familiarise themselves with local risks and be as safe as possible and not put unnecessary strain on front line services . In a normal year around 150 people lose their lives at the coast and we know that more than half of those never intended to be in the water . So , whether you are walking , running or cycling at the coast , please be extra responsible and avoid taking unnecessary risks .’
The RNLI and HM Coastguard have launched a winter coastal safety campaign to highlight the dangers of stormy seas , changing tides and cliffs at this time of year .
Chris Cousens , RNLI Water Safety Lead for the North West said : ‘ In particular at this time of year , we ask people to stay well back from stormy , wintry seas and cliff edges , check tide times before you go , take a phone with you , and call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if you or someone else is in trouble .’
You can find more safety advice from the RNLI at RNLI . org / Safety .
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