Terrifying footage showing the moment lifeboat crew members plucked one person and a dog to safety from the River Mersey has been released.
The major rescue was launched after Christine Robinson and her son Niall went into the river after their beloved pet and got into difficulty. Sadly, while Niall and the dog were rescued from the water, Ms Robinson was pronounced dead at the scene.
The RNLI has released the footage of the rescue for the first time, with permission from Christine's family, after Niall met the people who rescued him for the first time during a police awards ceremony.
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At around 12.20pm on Monday, July 7 2020 Christine, 57, from Eastham, Wirral, was walking her dog with son, Niall, when their dog Geordie was swept into the River Mersey from a slipway. Both mum and son got into difficulty and a major rescue operation involving the RNLI, Coastguard, Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service was launched.
The newly released footage shows the RNLI lifeboat being pounded by waves as it navigates rocks to offer assistance, with the helm carefully manoeuvring the New Brighton inshore lifeboat to avoid injuring either a casualty in the water or capsizing themselves.
RNLI volunteers were awarded a Merseyside Police Chief Constable’s commendation at a presentation on Thursday, January 19. RNLI helm, Michael Stannard along with crew members Oz Ramsey, Emily Craven and Thomas McGinn and RNLI senior Lifeguard Cameron Jacobie attended the event at Aintree Racecourse.
Niall said: "Meeting the RNLI crew and lifeguards for the first time was an emotional occasion, but something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I will forever be in their debt.
"The RNLI do such an incredible job and the New Brighton volunteers should be so very proud of what they did that day in such horrendous conditions. I’m so pleased they are receiving this recognition from Merseyside Police, which is so very well deserved."
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, said: "The bravery shown by the lifeguard and crew of the New Brighton RNLI in that tragic incident was commendable. The circumstances and level of risk made it uncertain whether a rescue attempt would even be possible. Nevertheless, they persevered, selflessly putting themselves in danger and sustaining injuries in their attempt to preserve life.
"I hope that receiving a Chief Constable’s Commendation will remind them how valued they are, not just by Merseyside Police, but by the whole community. Their daily vigilance keeps all of us who enjoy Merseyside’s coastline safer, and I am proud to work in partnership with an organisation made up such courageous individuals."
Ian Thornton, RNLI New Brighton Lifeboat Operations Manager said: "This commendation is an honour for the New Brighton crew and the lifeguards who went to offer assistance, it is heartening for us to be recognised in this way. However, this was a tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with the family that were involved in this very difficult service.
"As a crew, the volunteers always launch in the aim to save everyone; unfortunately, this isn’t always possible. The team of RNLI New Brighton are extremely proud of all our team. Without doubt, they saved the lives of the male casualty and the dog that day."
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