River Dee search: Man found ‘Safe and Well’

UPDATE: Police confirmed on Saturday afternoon the missing male they have been searching the River Dee for has been found safe and well, they have not released any more details so far. 

Flint lifeboat was called out at approx 2:45pm today Thursday 9th Jan) after reports that a male had ‘entered’ the River Dee near to Hawarden Bridge.

 A pair of shoes and a suicide note were found by the river bans.

The bridge, which is a busy bicycle path linking the industrial park with Shotton and Connahs Quay was cordoned off for a period of time.

An RAF Sea King helicopter joined the search and was seen hovering around 50 metres above the river from Hawarden Bridge up to Connah`s Quay Dock and back down towards Queensferry and Saltney.

Flint RNLI lifeboat was alerted at 2.45pm and launched their boat from Connah`s Quay Dock.

Search teams continuined to search the river bank on foot along the Banks of the River until being stood down around 6pm due to poor light.

Alan Forrester volunteer lifeboat operations manager for Flint Lifeboat told the Daily Post:

 “The volunteer lifeboat crew carried out a thorough search of the river along with the coastguard and helicopter, we will continue the search tomorrow if necessary.”

Alyn and Deeside AM Carl Sargeant said:

“Search teams, many of whom are volunteers, were on the river for hours yesterday and carried on their work until darkness fell. Many were out at the scene again this morning.

“They are extremely dedicated to keeping people safe and doing all they can in tragic circumstances such as these.

“This is a desperately sad situation and the thoughts of everyone in the area are with this man’s family and friends.”