Passers-by use makeshift winch to rescue woman

A woman who slipped on algae-covered rocks and fell into a deep crevice was rescued after a passer-by heard her cries for help.

The victim was unable to call the emergency services herself after dropping her phone in the fall near an old lifeboat station on Hilbre Island, off the coast of West Kirby in Wirral.

Wirral Coastguard said a walker passing by heard her screams on Tuesday afternoon and called 999.

The woman was rescued by two members of the public using a life ring and rope before the coastguard arrived.

A coastguard spokesperson said: "Coastguard Officers carried out a medical assessment on scene.

"Thankfully, injuries were limited to cuts, bruises, and a suspected sprained ankle."

Coastguard officers were also able to recover her phone from the slippery rocks.

The woman was driven back to shore using the service's 4x4 vehicle.

The service added: "For anyone visiting Hilbre Island, please take extra care around the slippery rocks, particularly at the rear of the old lifeboat station where algae can make surfaces extremely hazardous."

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