Second set of walkers trapped by tide in week

A warning has been issued by the coastguard after people were cut off by the tide on the Wirral coastline for the second time in a week.

Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team said two people and a dog had to be rescued after getting stranded by the incoming tide between Middle and Little Eye in West Kirby.

"This is the second incident this week of people becoming trapped by the incoming tide," Wirral Coastguard deputy station officer Paul Ambrose said.

While no medical treatment was required, "had they attempted to move, even slightly, they could easily have entered fast-flowing deep water", he said.

Ambrose said the couple involved did the right thing in checking tide times before heading out to Hilbre Island but had slightly misjudged their return time due to the size of the tide.

"When they realised something wasn't right, they stopped and called 999 to the coastguard," he said.

West Kirby lifeboat was quickly on scene and safely recovered both people and their dog onto the lifeboat, he added.

The RNLI West Kirby lifeboat, HM Coastguard Crosby and a coastguard rescue helicopter were also called to the incident.

"Our colleagues at RNLI West Kirby Lifeboat did a fantastic job, as did our control room operators, who kept the situation calm and ensured the couple stayed on the rocks," Ambrose said.

He urged anyone planning to visit the islands off the coast of West Kirby to "read the safety information posters before heading out and ensure your information is correct".

"In an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."

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