Two people were pulled to safety in a dramatic rescue effort after getting stuck in thick mud on the Sefton coast.
The team at the Hoylake RNLI lifeboat station were called into action on Saturday evening when they received reports of walkers being stranded near the River Alt at Hightown. Although the walkers managed to free themselves from the mud, the were caught on the wrong side of the channel, surrounded by gullies in the fading light.
The Inshore Rescue Hovercraft ‘Hurley Spirit’ was requested to launch by the UK Coastguard at 8:48pm and the volunteer crew were able to bring the casualties safely on board. Although they were cold and wet, those rescued were deemed not to require further assistance and were flown to Crosby Beach, where they were passed to officers from the Crosby and Wirral Coastguard Rescue Teams.
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Hoylake RNLI hovercraft crew member Dave Noble said: "On occasion, the tide was still on the ebb when the casualties got stuck and they were lucky to come away without any injuries. The muddy terrain off the Sefton coast can be treacherous, especially in the dark.
"If you’re out walking on the coast, try and avoid muddy areas but if you do get stuck, spread your weight across the surface, try not to move and stay as calm as you can. Discourage other people from trying to rescue you as they may get stuck too. If you have a phone, dial 999 for the Coastguard. If you don’t have a phone, shout for help."
