West Kirby: Flint Coastguard scrambled to assist woman stuck waist deep in River Dee mud

A multi-agency rescue operation, including volunteers from Flint Coastguard, was launched on Bank Holiday Monday, following reports that a woman was stuck waist-deep in mud at the south end of West Kirby Marine Lake.

The rescue effort was initiated by HM Coastguard just before 1.45 pm on 29 May after a walker found herself in a precarious situation.

The volunteer crew from Hoylake RNLI and the hovercraft ‘Hurley Spirit’ were dispatched to the scene, along with the Wirral and Flint Coastguard Rescue Team, Merseyside Police, and the North West Ambulance Service.

Upon arrival, the casualty was found in a channel of shallow water, trapped in thick mud and unable to reach the shore due to the hazardous terrain.

The RNLI hovercraft crew carefully deployed mud boards and mats around the casualty to establish a solid surface, enabling them to swiftly extract her from the mud and bring her aboard the hovercraft.

[Photo: RNLI Hoylake – Main photos: Wirral Coastguard]

The woman was assessed for any medical conditions and, although shocked and affected by the cold mud, required no urgent treatment.

For further safety, the Coastguard officers who had traversed the beach with a stretcher encouraged the casualty to use it.

After receiving reassurance from the RNLI crew and the provision of numerous blankets to keep her warm, the casualty was taken ashore on the hovercraft.

She was then landed at Sandy Lane Slipway and handed over to the care of the Coastguard and ambulance service.

Hoylake RNLI Second Coxswain and hovercraft commander, Tony Warburton, emphasised the importance of safety when venturing near beaches, especially those prone to mud, like those along the Merseyside coast.

Mr Warburton advised, “If you get stuck in mud, try and retrace your steps to safety or spread your weight as evenly as you can.”

“Avoid moving, stay calm, and discourage others from trying to help as they may get stuck themselves. Instead, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard, who will send trained and equipped emergency services to help.”

A spokesperson for Flint Coastguard said: “Over the Bank Holiday weekend, we saw beautiful weather and a very busy coastline!”

“We were tasked three times over the weekend to assist with a variety of incidents, including people cut off by the tide and stuck in the mud.”

“With the half-term break now underway, it is very important for you and your family to stay safe near the coast. If you ever see anyone in trouble, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

With an expected influx of visitors to the coast over half-term due to the good weather, this incident at West Kirby Marine Lake serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers and the importance of vigilance, prioritising safety, and heeding local safety signage.