WELCOME TO THE HOYLAKE LIFEBOAT WEBSITE

News  Page

    Charity Number 209603

20/12/2011

Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat launched to assist pilot launch.On hearing that the Pilot vessel “Petrel” has lost an engine and was taking on water in the channel, a crew member contacted Lifeboat Operations Manager John Curry.After a swift discussion with Liverpool Coastguard, it was decided to launch Hoylake’s All Weather RNLI Lifeboat.

The Lady of Hilbre, under command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley made best speed towards the casualty, who was at this time under tow from Pilot vessel Dunlin. With the RNLI Lifeboat and Marine fire one in attendance.

Hoylake Lifeboat’s salvage pump was offered but deemed not necessary at this time. With both Pilot launches safety in the lock at Langton, Hoylake lifeboat returned to station to await her next call.

12/08/2011

After a member of the public reported seeing a number of kayakers in the River Mersey, they were concerned for the safety of the boaters and called Liverpool Coastguard, Three RNLI units where dispatched to the area and carried out a thorough search as directed by the Coastguard.

Hoylake RNLI All Weather Lifeboat (ALB), under the command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley searched offshore in the vicinity of the Burbo Wind Farm and approaches to the River Mersey, while New Brighton RNLI Atlantic 85 searched the Mersey estuary, with New Brighton's Hovercraft covering the areas that where dried out or to shallow for the boats.

Coastguard units were also involved, searching the beach, also known launch and recovery sites, such a car parks in an attempt to recognise any vehicle capable of carrying a kayak, night illumination pyrotechnics were also used.

After searching for an hour and a half, and confident the kayakers were safe, Liverpool Coastguard stood all units down.

26/06/2011

When a 12 metre rib with 2 persons on board became disabled in the entrance to the River Mersey, Liverpool Coastguard immediately requested the launch of Hoylake's All Weather RNLI Lifeboat.

The "Lady Of Hilbre", under the command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley made best speed towards the casualty's position given by the coastguard, which was between Q7 and Q9 channel buoy's in the entrance to the River Mersey. It was observed on arrival that the vessel had neither propulsion or steering, the only decision was to tow the vessel to the Marina at Liverpool With the tow established, slow progress was made toward the safe haven, on arrival at the Marina, the casualty was passed to another local vessel that was entering the lock from the River Mersey, this allowed the RNLI Lifeboat to remain outside the dock system should another call arrive.

Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat was requested to launch by Liverpool Coastguard after a fishing vessel suffered a major engine problem, the casualty was under tow from another fishing vessel in the Bar area approach to the River Mersey as the Lifeboat launched.

The "Lady of Hilbre" sped towards the casualty, as the tow had parted several times, on arrival on scene, the two vessel seemed to have the tow in hand and were making headway so the RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat escorted the vessels to Langton Lock where the crew assisted getting the casualty alongside, once this operation was  safely completed, the Lifeboat returned to station.

01/05/2011

At 1246 Liverpool Coastguard requested that the Hoylake Lifeboat go to a state of immediate readiness, as a Ryan Air passenger plane carrying 150 people was experiencing hydraulic problems and was unable to land at Liverpool's John Lennon Airport.

The Lifeboat was fully crewed and ready to launch, the Lady of Hilbre was requested by Liverpool Coastguard to stand down as the Aircraft had landed safely.

24/04/2011

A 10 metre angling vessel, with 10 passengers was fishing North of the Douglas platform in the Irish Sea, when the skipper reported engine problems, and Liverpool Coastguard requested the launch of Hoylake's all weather Lifeboat, Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat, under the command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley located the vessel and towed her to the safety of the River Mersey, the Lifeboat then returned to station.

22/04/2011

A dive boat with a crew of 5, had broken down just North of Rhyl, coastguards decided to request the launch of Rhyl RNLI Lifeboat,, Rhyl Lifeboat then towed the casualty to the edge of Hoylake Lifeboats patch, thus ensuring cover for both areas, Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat, under the command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley, took the vessel in tow to the safety of Liverpool.

Once this was achieved, the Lifeboat returned to station.

02/04/2011

In the early hours of Saturday morning, Liverpool Coastguard received a call from a Scottish scallop dredger, reporting he had major gearbox problems that resulted in total loss of propulsion, and was aground on Taylors bank adjacent to the entrance of the River Mersey.

Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat "Lady of Hilbre" under the command of Coxswain launched after Coastguard's request and made best speed toward the 25 metre MFV (Motor Fishing Vessel).

Due to language issues with the crew of the casualty, New Brighton Lifeboat also launched to transfer crew from Hoylake ALB to make fast a tow line, once the line was connected, the vessel was taken to Langton Lock, where both Lifeboats were stood down and returned to station, another MFV took the casualty to a berth inside the dock system.

RNLI Hoylake and New Brighton lifeboats in trawler rescue This link is external.

09/03/2011

When Liverpool Coastguard received a Mayday from two vessels in the River Mersey, RNLI rescue units from Hoylake and New Brighton were requested to launch, just after Hoylake's Mersey class all weather Lifeboat had launched into a West by North severe gale, the casualties were found to be safe, and the Lady of Hilbre, under the command of Second Coxswain Andy Dodd returned to station.

07/02/2011

The lives of two people and their dogs were saved by crew members Andy Dodd, Dave Dodd and Steve Armitage after they wandered out on the East Hoyle bank, the tide was flooding very fast due to a combination of a 9metre tide and 60 knot plus wind, the casualties were spotted from the Lifeboat Station and HM Coastguard were informed, Liverpool Coastguard immediately requested Hoylake RNLI Tractor Bravo be dispatched to the aid of the couple.

Best speed was made in the severe wind to reach the casualties before the tide, on arrival to the scene the couple were extremely exhausted due to the fact they were walking into the wind, the tide was catching them and would have if not for the timely intervention of the Lifeboat crew, the tide was lapping around the wheels of the trailer as the casualties boarded.

17/07/2010

A 22ft Yacht on passage from Liverpool to Conwy with 2 persons on board, requested assistance after the crew became overcome with severe seasickness, Liverpool Coastguard tasked RNLI Hoylake lifeboat to the incident, after the skipper reported that his female crew member was extremely seasick, and he himself was suffering fatigue.

Hoylake Lifeboat under the command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley launched at 0730 this morning into West South West gale force 8, and proceeded to a position close to HE1 buoy, in the approaches to the River Dee, Coxswain Whiteley manoeuvred the Lifeboat close enough to the casualty to enable a Lifeboat crew member to be put aboard the yacht to assist with connecting a tow, steering and berthing the vessel.

Because of the size of the vessel and the state of the tide and wind, speed would be slow, after approximately 7 hours towing the casualty to the calm waters of the River Mersey and the safety of Liverpool Marina, Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat returned to station at 1700.

Spokesman for the RNLI Lifeboat Station at Hoylake, Mr Kim Jackson said although this was a routine call for us, it was a long day for the skipper and female crew member which ended safely in their return to Liverpool.

11/06/2010

A 34ft Yacht on passage from Douglas in the Isle of Mann to Liverpool with 3 persons on board, became disabled after its steering gear failed, Liverpool Coastguard tasked RNLI Hoylake and New Brighton Lifeboats to the casualty which was drifting in the Crosby Channel approach to the port of Liverpool.

New Brighton Lifeboat was first on scene and put a crew member aboard and then took the vessel in tow as the casualty was in the middle of the River and there was a significant amount of traffic in and out of the River Mersey at this time.

The weather was West North West 6 – 7, and after the tow line parted, Hoylake Lifeboat “Lady of Hilbre” under the command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley made fast their tow rope with the assistance of the member of the New Brighton crew and towed the casualty to the safety of Liverpool Marina.

With the Yacht safe, RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat returned to station at 0110 12/06/2010, RNLI New Brighton Lifeboat was tasked to another incident further up the River Mersey.

30/05/2010

After the dredger WD Mersey picked up a suspicious looking object, a call was made to Liverpool Coastguard and the Royal Navy’s bomb disposal team were alerted. The WD Mersey was working in the approaches to the port of Liverpool, which involves removing sediment from the sea bed to stop the river silting, mixed in with this silt can be many different objects.

The crew spotted a suspicious looking object in an area where these different objects are gathered and immediately called the Coastguard, who the called the Royal Navy.

Hoylake’s relief Lifeboat “Royal Shipwright” was requested by Liverpool Coast guard to prepare to launch and transfer the bomb disposal team and their equipment to the dredger, who was now in a safe anchorage.

Rnli Hoylake Lifeboat launched at approximately 2200 complete with team and equipment, charges were attached to the World War 2 shell and then it was lowered to the sea bed clear of all vessels and detonated.

Hoylake Lifeboat returned to station at 0300 on 31/05/10.

31/03/2010

After a Mersey River tug reported a 35ft vessel adrift in the River, RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat launched to assist fire service Marine Fire 1.The 35 ft vessel had apparently broken her moorings on the West side of the river and drifted towards the estuary when reported by the crew of the Svitzer Bidston to Liverpool Coastguard.

Liverpool Coastguard requested that Marine Fire one investigate the casualty and asses the situation, the vessel was unmanned and was a danger to navigation being in a position between Charlie 18 and Charlie 20 channel buoys.

As the weather was deteriorating rapidly, at 0445 on 31/03/2010, Liverpool Coastguard requested the launch of Hoylake’s All Weather Lifeboat to recover the vessel from this dangerous position, after launching into a Northerly 6 – 7, Coxswain Dave Whiteley made best speed towards the casualty.

Two crew members were put aboard the MFV (Motor Fishing Vessel) to clear the foredeck and attach a tow, once under tow, the RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat towed the casualty towards Tranmere moorings just as a lock became available in Langton, she was then towed into Husskinson number one dock where she was met by her owner.

With the situation resolved, RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat returned to station, the weather at this time was NNW 8 – 9, gusting 10.

20/02/2010

On Saturday 20^th February, RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat launched on a joint exercise with New Brighton Lifeboat and Hovercraft, when Liverpool Coastguard received a 999 call from a member of the public stating that someone intended jumping into the River Mersey at Seacombe Landing stage. As the 3 RNLI units were beginning their exercise, the Coastguard called Hoylake’s relief Lifeboat “Royal Shipwright” to relay a message to New Brighton Lifeboat to attend the scene, shortly after, Hoylake’s Mersey class All Weather Lifeboat and New Brighton’s Hovercraft were also requested to make best speed to the search area.

The 3 RNLI vessels and Marine Fire 1 firstly searched the West side of the Mersey from Seacombe stage to South of Bromborough dock and then the East side from Garston Channel to Liverpool Pier Head with nothing being found. After two hours of searching by the four vessels, Liverpool Coastguard called off the search and all SAR vessels returned to their stations, the exercise was cancelled until a later date.

31/01/2010

As Hoylake Lifeboat "The Lady of Hilbre" was launched to undertake a passage to Holyhead for a refit, her replacement Mersey class RNLI Lifeboat "Royal Shipwright" was just entering Hoylake Lifeboats patch, with the transfer of equipment and call sign completed, Royal Shipwright now assumed the guise of Hoylake Lifeboat and continued on her way to Hoylake.

As the recovery procedure was just beginning, Rhyl RNLI Lifeboat reported hearing the spoken words Mayday and Quebec One, Rhyl Lifeboat was tasked to the River Dee along with West Kirby inshore Lifeboat. Hoylake and New Brighton RNLI Lifeboats were sent to Quebec 1 navigational buoy at the entrance to the River Mersey where both rescue craft were designated search patterns by Liverpool Coastguard who were coordinating the search.

After searching for 3 hours with nothing being found or heard again it was decided to stand the four RNLI lifeboats down and assume that this call was a hoax.

15/09/2009 

When a small aircraft made an emergency landing on the Hoyle bank, Lifeboat crew at Hoylake went to assist. The microlite landed on the beach on Tuesday evening. The Pilot on board was not hurt, he climbed from the plane and was cared for at the Lifeboat Station.

When emergency services began arriving at Hoylake, they made their way to the RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat Station where it was decided that the RNLI’s small agricultural tractor “Tractor Bravo” would ferry the necessary personnel from the Lifeboat Station to the Aircraft and back.

Once the scene had been cleared by the CAA, the Aircraft was towed to the safety of Hoylake beach by Tractor Bravo, here the owners prepared the Aircraft for road transport to their local Airfield

 03/09/2009

RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat was requested to launch by Liverpool Coastguard after a lone sailor aboard a fifty foot ketch anchored in unfamiliar ground and became fatigued. Because the wind was so strong the casualty could not recover his anchor. RNLI New Brighton Lifeboat was dispatched to the scene, due to the size of the yacht and the weather conditions, Liverpool Coastguard requested the launch of Hoylake’s all weather Lifeboat “The Lady of Hilbre”.

After swiftly launching into heavy seas, RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat made rapid speed with the following sea and  towards the stricken vessel. on arrival at the scene, half a mile North of the Perch Rock lighthouse it was observed that a crew member from New Brighton was already aboard the vessel.

Both RNLI Lifeboats worked together to establish a tow, with wind speeds still approaching storm force 10, Hoylake Lifeboat began to take the weight on the tow and this enabled the anchor to be raised. with the anchor safely on deck,  Hoylake Lifeboat made the tow fast and towed the vessel to the safety of Liverpool Marina.

12/07/2009

RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat was requested to launch by Liverpool Coastguard after two jet ski's and a small motor launch were reported to be having trouble in Hilbre Pool, as the "Lady of Hilbre" was nearing her launch position, she was stood down, the crew of the jet ski's had already returned ashore and were safe, Hoylake Lifeboat returned to station.

11/07/2009

RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat was on her way to the launch position for exercise and crew training, when Liverpool Coastguard tasked the "Lady of Hilbre" to a 38 foot Morecambe Bay Prawner (Nobby) with engine problems, New Brighton Lifeboat had initially been launched to the incident and had the vessel under tow, the coastguard had requested Hoylake ALB  (All Weather Lifeboat) as a safeguard due to the size of the casualty.

Hoylake Lifeboat under the command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley went alongside and put Crew members James and Daniel Whiteley aboard to assist with connecting Hoylake Lifeboats towing rope, with the transfer of towing completed with the assistance of a remaining New Brighton crew member and the vessel in tow, RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat made for Liverpool Marina, once the casualty was safely secured, Hoylake Lifeboat returned to station,

19/06/2009

A drifting yacht was reported midway between Heswall and Greenfield in the River Dee. Unsure if the vessel had crew on board, Liverpool Coastguard requested the launch of Hoylake All weather Lifeboat, The Lady of Hilbre, under the command of Second Coxswain Andy Dodd launched into a North North Westerly gale and sped to the approximate position given by a member of the public who spotted the casualty. The RNLI Lifeboat arrived at a position in Mid River on the transit line given, where the casualty was spotted on radar, it was confirmed that no persons where aboard the yacht and it had broken its moorings at West Kirby.

As yacht had grounded at high water and could not be reached by boat, after discussion between Liverpool Coastguard and the Coastguard mobile unit the Lifeboat was released and returned to station. 

26/05/2009

A 32ft, 6 ton yacht anchored in the Rock channel required assistance after the skipper became exhausted by the weather and sea conditions off New Brighton, New Brighton RNLI lifeboat was requested to attend a large yacht that was anchored in the Rock Channel. The vessel had earlier tried to navigate the same channel.

After New Brighton lifeboat had assessed the situation and due to the size and weight of the casualty, Liverpool Coastguard decided the casualty needed towing to his moorings and requested the launch of Hoylake’s All Weather RNLI Lifeboat the “Lady of Hilbre”.

Hoylake Lifeboat under the command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley, launched and made best speed toward the anchored vessel, where a crew member was put aboard to assist New Brighton Lifeboat crew who had recovered the anchor with the recovery operation.

The yacht was towed to a set of moorings at Tranmere after the New Brighton crew member recovered the anchor. Once the operation was complete, and the skipper and his vessel were safe and happy, RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat returned to station.

23/05/2009

When a small yacht with engine problems ran ground on the West Hoyle bank the owner requested his children be run ashore so Liverpool Coastguard requested the launch of West Kirby Lifeboat, After a discussion between Hoylake RNLI, LOM John Curry and Liverpool Coastguard, it was decided that it would be prudent for the safety of the vessel to launch Hoylake's all weather lifeboat to survey the area in daylight rather than wait until dark.

Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat under the command of Second Coxswain Andy Dodd was launched, crew member Steve Swanick and a crew member from West Kirby rectified the engine problem which turned out to be a fuel blockage, the vessel was refloated and towed to West Kirby, with his engine now running, the yacht was released and made his own way up to his moorings.

With the vessel under her own power, both RNLI Lifeboat returned to station.

19/04/2009

After a rope became entangled in his propeller, the skipper of a 9.5 metre dive support vessel contacted Liverpool Coastguard to advise them of his situation and position, Liverpool Coastguard immediately requested the launch of Hoylake’s Mersey Class all weather Lifeboat “Lady of Hilbre” by setting off the crew pagers.

Many of the crew had already mustered at the Lifeboat Station for their Sunday morning cup of tea so were able to launch the RNLI Lifeboat without delay. As the Hoylake Lifeboat, under the command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley launched and sped towards the casualty, one of the divers on board the vessel had donned his gear and gone over the side and freed the fouled propeller.

The casualty informed the Coastguard of his situation and the RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat was returned to Station.

13/03/2009

RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat Tractor assists in search for people who were riding round the sand banks at Hoylake, A member of the public became concerned for the occupants of three vehicles left at the bottom of Beach Road in Hoylake and contacted Liverpool Coastguard, At approximately 2015 Liverpool Coastguard called RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat operations manager John Curry to voice concerns over the safety of the individuals from the vehicles who were out on the sand banks on a number of quad bikes and trailers, there was a big tide predicted and it was flooding.

It was decided that Hoylake’s agricultural tractor “Tractor Bravo” would proceed with the search, with the intention of advising the persons suspected of out of season cockling of the dangers of being on a sand bank at night with a rapidly approaching tide.

While searching the area around Red Rocks, RNLI Hoylake’s Tractor bravo received another call from the Coastguard, a member of the public had driven their Nissan Navara 4X4 out onto the sand approximately half a mile West of Middle Eye (A small Island near to Hilbre in the River Dee) and become stuck in the treacherous sand and mud, Tractor bravo made best speed towards the casualty, but on arrival at the scene, the occupants had abandoned the vehicle to the incoming tide and were wading ashore, RNLI West Kirby Lifeboat was already en route to the scene and the occupants of the 4X4 were transferred to the warmth of the Land Rover for the trip back to the beach.

As Her Majesty’s Coastguard and local Police were deal with the drivers and passengers of the quad bikes, Tractor Bravo returned to the Lifeboat station.

17/01/2009

Whilst en-route back to Hoylake after exercising in the River Mersey, RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat intercepted a transmission between Liverpool Coastguard at Crosby and a Coastguard mobile unit stating that a windsurfer was in the water off the North Wirral coast in the vicinity of New Brighton, the Lifeboat immediately turned around and headed for the area just as Liverpool Coastguard tasked the Lifeboat to the incident.

Hoylake Lifeboat under the command of Second Coxswain Andy Dodd, made best speed towards the position given by the Coastguard unit, the casualty was quickly located and brought aboard the All weather Lifeboat from Hoylake, at the same time, New Brighton Lifeboat was also launched to the incident and transferred the hypothermic casualty to the ambulance waiting ashore for the short trip to Arrow Park Hospital.

With the casualty safely ashore, both RNLI Lifeboats returned to their Lifeboat Stations.

15/01/2009

Liverpool Coastguard requested the launch of Hoylake RNLI all weather Lifeboat to assist with the medivac of a crew member on board a ferry bound for Dublin. HM Coastguard tasked the Lifeboat to the Norbay after a crew member suffered serious head injuries just after leaving the queens channel.

The Lady of Hilbre under the command of Deputy Second Coxswain Steve Armitage sped towards the casualty complete with Crew member and Paramedic Ron Schank, RAF Helicopter rescue 122 was also dispatched from RAF Valley to transfer the injured man to Hospital.

With the casualty safely on board the Helicopter, the Lifeboat returned to Station.

13/12/2008

Liverpool Coastguard tasked RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat to a tug that was towing a large unmanned barge, the vessels were 2 miles west of the Bar Lightfloat on passage to the North Rhyl windfarm, when an engineer suffered a serious head injury.

Complete with student Paramedic Mike Chapman on board, the Lady of Hilbre, under command of RNLI Coxswain Dave Whiteley made best speed to the position passed by the Coastguard, the Lifeboat arrived on scene just minutes after helicopter Rescue 122, the RNLI Lifeboat stood by while the winchman was lowered onto the deck of the tug and prepared the casualty for winching and eventual transfer to Hospital.

Once this had been completed and the helicopter was safely on its way, Hoylake Lifeboat returned to station,

01/12/2008

Whilst enjoying a morning cup of tea at the Lifeboat Station, the ever eagle eyed head launcher Dave Dodd  spotted an ambulance that appeared to be looking for something, on looking through the binoculars Dave spotted something that appeared to be a casualty on the beach between the Lifeboat Station and Beech road, Assistant tractor driver Ron Shank, who is also a paramedic and Crew member Emily Jones made their way towards the casualty and the ambulance and advised the crew of the best route to the young girl who had fell off her horse.

After it became apparent that the girl had sustained quite bad injuries, and the ambulance would not be able to get to the casualty, the Air Ambulance was called to transfer her to hospital, the beach was cleared of obstacles by Ron and Emily to allow the Aircraft to land safely, after this was completed, the transfer took place successfully.

13/11/2008

When a 20 metre yacht broke down with engine problems in the channel entrance to the River Mersey, Because the casualty was anchored in a dangerous position, which would worsen when the tide turned, Liverpool Coastguard requested the launch of Hoylake's All Weather RNLI Lifeboat.

The "Lady of Hilbre" under the command of RNLI Deputy Second Coxswain Steve Armitage made best speed towards the casualty, the crew of the yacht had restarted her engine and was making way towards the Liverpool Marina, escorted by New Brighton Lifeboat and Marine Fire 1, Hoylake Lifeboat then returned to station.

12/09/2008 

HM Coastguard requested the launch of Hoylake Lifeboat to evacuate a member of the crew of the large cargo vessel Atlas Amelia. Hoylake Lifeboat, under the command of RNLI coxswain Dave Whiteley sped towards the vessel which was moored approximately 2 miles South of the Bar lanby buoy, awaiting entrance to the River Mersey. 

The Captain of the vessel had been in discussion with a doctor in Aberdeen, after which it was decided that the best method and most comfortable for the casualty would be RNLI Hoylake’s all weather Lifeboat, Coxswain Whiteley manoeuvred the lifeboat alongside the vessel to allow 2 crew members to board the Atlas Amelia and asses the casualty, the crew members, Chris Norman and Ron Schank who is a paramedic, immobilised the injured man dislocated shoulder. 

After the casualty was transferred to the RNLI Lifeboat “Lady of Hilbre”  Coxswain Dave Whiteley steered a course to Woodside landing stage, and the waiting ambulance, once the 64 year old had been transferred, the lifeboat returned to station.  

17/08/2008

Rnli Hoylake Lifeboat crew tasked to First Aid situation. HM Coastguard requested the crew of Hoylake Lifeboat attend a young lady who was quite badly injured after she  fell from her horse on the beach between the RNLI lifeboat station and Red rocks on Hoylake beach 

Members of Hoylake Lifeboat crew lead by coxswain Dave Whiteley boarded the small recovery trailer, and complete with stretchers and first aid kit proceeded towards the casualty, Upon arrival at the scene, the North West Air Ambulance was just landing and Paramedics had also arrived

After the casualty was stabilised, the lifeboat crew assisted placing the lady in the helicopter and returned to station, The horse was safely returned to its stable.

30/07/2008

HM Coastguard requested the launch of Hoylake Lifeboat to retrieve a 22ft yacht that had apparently been released for its moorings at Heswall on the Wirral, Hoylake Lifeboat, under the command of RNLI coxswain Dave Whiteley steered the lifeboat towards a position given by the rig stand by vessel “ Vos Inspirer”, The “Vos Inspirer” had launched one of their smaller rescue craft and taken the yacht in tow as the vessel was a potential hazard to navigation and was drifting in the vicinity of the Douglas gas platform, 16 miles North West of Hoylake Lifeboat station. 

On arrival at the casualty, Coxswain Whiteley skilfully put the Lifeboat alongside the casualty to allow crew members Paul Sherratt and James Whiteley aboard the yacht to release the tow from the standby vessel and attach a tow from the Lifeboat. 

Due to weather conditions, towing the yacht was a slow process, the decision was made to tow the vessel to Hoylake, where the Lifeboat would be met by the Hoylake Sailing Club launch, to whom the tow would be transferred, this completed, RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat returned to station . 

09/06/2008

Hoylake Lifeboat under the command RNLI Coxswain Dave Whiteley was launched to assist a yacht that had run aground whilst approaching the River Dee.

Liverpool Coastguard requested the launch of the Lifeboat at 2325 09/06/2008 after the vessel, a 31ft Mirqui class catamaran with 2 persons on board, had run aground in an unconfirmed location. Three possible positions were given as the casualty’s GPS was inaccurate, The casualty was located by the RNLI Lifeboat sophisticated radar and direction finding equipment prior to launch.

After a short run, Coxswain Dave Whiteley positioned the “Lady of Hilbre” alongside the yacht to allow crew members Andy Dodd and Alastair Knowles to board her to assist with recovery. The vessel, with 2 crew members was bound for her moorings at West Kirby after leaving Milford Haven,

With the casualty safe in deep water, it was decided that the RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat should stand by the casualty until she could be safely moored up. With this achieved, the Lifeboat returned to station.

18/04/2008

RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat speeds to assist burns victim. Hoylake Lifeboat under the command of relief RNLI Coxswain Gary Bird was launched to assist a burns victim on board a ship on her way to the port of Liverpool. The Captain of the MV Pembroke Fisher called Liverpool Coastguard for advise after the Chief Engineer suffered severe burns to his arms, the coastguard patched the call through to a doctor in Aberdeen. The Doctor stressed the importance of getting the casualty ashore as soon as possible. Liverpool Coastguard requested the launch of Hoylake all weather Lifeboat.  Rescue 122. an RAF Helicopter from RAF Valley  was scrambled.

 The Lifeboat launched and proceeded at full speed towards the casualty, 2.2 miles Southwest of the Mersey Bar light vessel, both rescue units arrived on scene at the same time, Due to the nature of the Chief Engineers injuries, it was decide that the helicopter would be the best option.

RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat stayed on scene until the lift had been completed and the aircraft was safely on its way to Whiston burns unit, then returned to station.

23/02/2008

The Lifeboat crew were alerted by pager to a gentleman who had been cut off by the fast flooding tide, as the crew were mustering to take the Tallus Tractor to pick up the casualty, Second Coxswain Andy Dodd rescued the man on his quad bike.

16/01/2008 

Liverpool Coastguard requested the assistance of RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat Tallus T99 Tractor when it was feared that members of the public could be in danger, a dog was spotted on the East Hoyle sand bank, the dog had run across a gutter to the North West of Meols and had got cut off by the tide at 2 hours to high water.

Passers by attempted to assist the distraught owner recover the animal by trying to follow it across the gutter, The tractor, under the command of Mark Bevan, managed to shepherd the exhausted dog back to the beach and it relieved owner, Tallus T99, returned to station.

29/12/2007

Liverpool Coastguard requested the launch of Hoylake Lifeboat to assist in a search in the River Mersey, The Lifeboat under command of RNLI Coxswain Dave Whiteley, launched into a North Westerly force 10, driving rain and severely reduced visibility.

The Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat sped towards the River Mersey to assist New Brighton RNLI Lifeboat and Fire and Rescue service vessel Marine Fire 1, in the search for a reported man overboard from a yacht at Bromborough, the incident turned out to be a false alarm with good intent and all 3 units were stood down and the RNLI Lifeboats returned to station.

05/12/2007

Whilst in contact with Liverpool V.T.S , Port Control Office over a pilotage booking, matter, Hoylake Lifeboat Operations Manager, Liverpool Pilot John Curry, became aware of the fact that the Liverpool Pilot launch “Dunlin”, with three persons on board was in difficulties in the Crosby Channel.

An electrical fire had broken out in the engine room and the crew of the launch were in the process of extinguishing the flames with the fixed fire-fighting system.  The pilotage Manager Frank Walker, in a swift discussion with John agreed that an immediate Launch of the Hoylake all-weather Lifeboat was necessary as a possible lifesaving measure for there were no other vessels in the vicinity.  The Lifeboat was alerted and the Liverpool Coastguard informed. 

“The Lady of Hilbre”, Hoylake’s Mersey Class Lifeboat, under the command of  RNLI Deputy Second Coxswain Steve Armitage, launched and sped towards the casualty.  The pilot launch crew and the pilot on board, had managed to drop an anchor, which initially failed to hold, as with a wind in excess of thirty knots from the West and the start of the flood tide, conditions were far from favourable for anchoring such a small craft. As luck would have it the anchor caught the mooring chains of the C8 channel buoy, and the cable held, preventing the pilot launch from being swept by wind and tide onto the Crosby Sands.  Time was of the essence, for with the rising tide covering the banks the westerly swell could possibly have caused the anchor cable to part. 

Liverpool Coastguard requested further assistance in the guise of the New Brighton Lifeboat and the R.A.F. Helicopter from Valley.  In the event, all three S.A.R. units arrived at the casualty at approximately the same time and it was decided that the Hoylake Lifeboat should make fast a towing-rope.  The RNLI Coxswain of the Lifeboat, Steve Armitage manoeuvred the lifeboat into position for the tow to be passed and secured in the ever-worsening conditions.  The tow was secured and the launch anchor, buoyed and slipped, to enable the casualty to be towed to, first the safety of the deep-water channel and then onwards to the safety of the Liverpool Langton Lock.  Having secured the tow in the lock, and with a second pilot launch, which had also been despatched to the casualty in attendance, the lifeboat returned to station.                     

01/12/2007

Liverpool Coastguard requested the attendance of Tallus Tractor T95 to a Paracart that had been blown to the East on the Hoyle Bank, the tide was flooding quite fast and Coastguards at Liverpool were concerned for the riders safety, on approaching the reported position the Tractor was returned to station as the casualty had waded ashore through the incoming tide.

11/11/2007

On returning from the remembrance day parade at the cenotaph, Hoylake Lifeboat was asked to back up West Kirby Lifeboat due to weather conditions.

West Kirby had launched to a Kite Surfer who had been missing for 2 hours, the casualty was picked up shortly after the inshore Lifeboat had launched and Hoylake Lifeboat was stood down and returned to Station.

30/10/2007

A man was observed walking towards the sea at about 1400hrs, Station mechanic Dave McKenzie contacted Liverpool Coastguard, who promptly dispatched 2 auxiliaries to the Lifeboat Station.

Liverpool Coastguard requested Hoylake's Tallus Tractor T99 attend the scene with the 2 Coastguards, the man was apparently going for a swim, but he was informed of the dangers and returned to the beach.

16/09/2007

Whilst on exercise for the start of the Clipper Yacht Race, Hoylake Lifeboat was requested to assist New Brighton Lifeboat who had put a crew member aboard,   and had started to tow a vessel that had been dismasted , Coxswain Dave Whiteley put the Hoylake Lifeboat alongside the vessel to allow 2 crew members to be put aboard the stricken vessel.

The crew members, Emily Jones and Steve Armitage. assisted in getting the mast cleared and secured aboard the vessel, the casualty was towed towards the lee side of the River Mersey by New Brighton Lifeboat,  While the Lifeboat crew were aboard the Mast and rigging were cleared and the vessel proceeded to Liverpool Marina under its own steam.

28/07/2007

Whilst on exercise in the River Mersey, Hoylake Lifeboat was contacted by Liverpool Coastguard, and tasked to a 32ft angling vessel that had engine problems and was anchored in the vicinity of the Brazil buoy in the entrance to the River Mersey. The Lifeboat under the command of Second Coxswain Andy Dodd went alongside the casualty in rough and confused sea's that occur in close proximity to the Old Rock Channel. Once it was established that the casualty's engine was unserviceable, a tow was connected and the vessel was taken to the safety of Liverpool Commercial docks via Langton lock, the Lifeboat returned to station.

12/07/2007

A 10 metre yacht with 3 persons on board in a position 6 miles West of the Bar Light, in the approaches to the River Mersey requested the assistance of a Lifeboat from Liverpool Coastguard due to a faulty gearbox rendering the engine unserviceable. Hoylake Lifeboat under the command of second Coxswain Andy Dodd launched to the casualty. Crew member Jon Henshaw was put aboard the vessel and a tow was secured within the hour. The casualty was towed to the safety of Liverpool Marina, and the Lifeboat returned to station.
 
04/07/2007

17/06/2007

Whilst  engaged on a routine exercise up the River Mersey to take part in the re-enactment of the Monks Ferry row across the River, Crew members noticed three persons in the water just off Seacombe Ferry Terminal. As the Hoylake Lifeboat under the command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley sped to their assistance, it became apparent that they had fallen off  the Jet ski which was floating nearby.
Two persons remounted the jet ski and one young lady, who appeared to be winded was brought aboard the Lifeboat, after it was decided that the casualty was OK, she was transferred to New Brighton Lifeboat who took her back to New Brighton.
 
 

22/05/2007

A tanker by the name of "Babadag" bound for Shells Stanlow oil refinery was anchored waiting on the tide before proceeding up the River Mersey. The Pilot vessel "Kittiwake" was following the vessel "Coastal Wave" in preparation to take the Pilot off, the Pilot, Mr John Curry is also Lifeboat Operations Manager at Hoylake Lifeboat station. It became apparent the Russian Chief Officer of the "Babadag", Denis Yaichkin had been suffering chest pains for about 5 days, with this in mind, Liverpool Coastguard requested the launch of Hoylake Lifeboat. The Pilot vessel, having recovered the Pilot/LOM then proceeded to the "Babadag" to where the casualty who was mobile, was transferred. Hoylake Lifeboat went alongside the "Kittiwake" at the Q5 Channel buoy, where Lifeboatman/first aider Andy Dodd and medical equipment were transferred. The Pilot launch the proceeded to a waiting ambulance at the Woodside ferry terminal where the casualty was removed to Hospital, Hoylake Lifeboat then returned to station, and the casualty was returned to St Petersburg on 24/05/2007.

06/05/2007

Hoylake Lifeboat was tasked by Liverpool Coastguard to  assist West Kirby Lifeboat in the search for a windsurfer lost in the Dee estuary, as the Lifeboat made her way to her launch position, West Kirby Lifeboat picked up the casualty and the Hoylake boat returned to station.

15/04/2007

 
At 1600 on Sunday 15th April, Holyhead Coastguard tasked Hoylake Lifeboat, under the command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley to assist Rhyl Lifeboat in a search for a Motor boat and 2 jet skis in thick fog, After an intensive search by the Lifeboats and Rescue Helicopter 122 from RAF Valley, the casualties were located and the "Lady of Hilbre" stood down.
 
Whilst the situation to the West was being resolved, Liverpool Coastguard requested Hoylake's small tractor, (Tractor Bravo) assist in the search for people returning from Hilbre Island who were also lost in the fog on an incoming tide, When the persons concerned were accounted for, the tractor returned to the Lifeboat Station to prepare for recovery of the Lifeboat.
 
On returning to the Lifeboat Station, Hoylake Lifeboat then received a call from Liverpool Coastguard saying that a yacht, with 4 persons on board had hit the Training wall in the approaches to the River Mersey, the Lifeboat made all speed towards the casualty.
On arrival at the scene, another yacht was also having trouble with the visibility, Hoylake Lifeboat and New Brighton Lifeboat escorted the vessels towards the safety of Liverpool Marina, Hoylake Lifeboat then returned to station and was refuelled and ready for Service at 2245.
 

13/04/2007

At 1745 on the 13th April, Hoylake Lifeboat launched to assist another yacht with engine failure and little wind to fill the sails on the flood of an evening tide.
The 35 foot Steel hulled vessel called Liverpool Coastguard for assistance to reach Liverpool Marina at Brunswick.
New Brighton Lifeboat and Marine Fire rescue 1 proceeded to assist, The Coastguard decided to launch the All Weather Lifeboat because of the size of the casualty.
Hoylake Lifeboat under the command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley proceeded through the old Rock Channel to rendezvous with Marine Fire 1 at the Brazil buoy, The "Lady of Hilbre" took over the tow and reached the safety of the Marina before returning to Station.
 
08/04/2007

Hoylake Lifeboat was tasked at 1015 Hrs to a 40 foot motor sailing yacht anchored to the North of the Q6 buoy in the approaches to the Mersey Channels, The motor yacht had been anchored for 2 tides attempting to replace a cylinder head gasket which had blown on passage to the Isle of Mann from the Marina at Brunswick.

A tow was secured on the flood of the day tide and the casualty, with five persons on board, was towed back to the safety of the Marina.

06/04/2007

Hoylake Lifeboat was called to the waters edge in pursuit of a runaway horse which had bolted into the tide shortly before High Water. 2 young girls pursued the horse into the water and there were fears for their safety.

Coastguards and Lifeboatmen paused at the waters edge when the horse turned towards the shore, when all 3 were safe, the lifeboat returned to station.

05/04/2007

Whilst out on exercise, Hoylake Lifeboat under the command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley received a call from Liverpool Coastguard requesting the Lifeboats participation in a search off Ainsdale beach where 2 jet ski's were believed to be missing.

As the visibility was bad, it was thought the Lifeboats Radar would benefit the search, as the search was completed, the Lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

20/02/2007

Whilst out on Exercise, Hoylake Lifeboat under the command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley received a call from Liverpool Coastguard saying that a red distress flare had been sighted in the vicinity of the Point of Air and requested the Lifeboat to investigate, on approaching the area, Liverpool Coastguard received confirmation from a second informant that the flare had been set off over land and stood the Lifeboat down to continue important crew training.

03/02/2007

57 Anglers fishing the Point of Air bank near Prestatyn in North Wales became disorientated when thick fog descended on them and a small boat was lost, as the tide was due to start flooding, Holyhead and Liverpool Coastguards decided to launch Hoylake and Rhyl All weather Lifeboats, with Rhyls D class also in attendance. Hoylake Lifeboat under the command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley soon located the vessel and took the Skipper on board due to the density of the fog. With Holyhead mobile units also assisting ashore, all the anglers where returned safely ashore to their vehicles, The Lady of Hilbre was then released and returned to Station. BBC news report

03/02/2007

Liverpool Coastguard requested Hoylake Lifeboat under the command of Second Coxswain Andy Dodd to launch to an incident in the River Mersey, where a cargo ship and a ferry with 294 passengers on board had a coming together in thick fog, after it was ascertained that all passengers and crew were safe and the badly damaged ferry posed no problem, Hoylake Lifeboat returned to station. BBC news report

18/01/2007

Weather: West North Westerly, 10 - 11, Sea very rough, Visibility, Good.

A Boeing 727  en route from Belfast to Stansted, diverted to Liverpool, The Aircraft with 88 passengers and crew on board ,was reported to be low on fuel,  Full story Here, Liverpool Coastguard brought Hoylake Lifeboat to Immediate Readiness until the Aircraft had landed safely, when the crew were stood down.

08/01/2007

Hoylake Lifeboat "Lady of Hilbre" launched in the early afternoon on Monday 08/01/2007 at the top of high water in support of the Flint Inshore Lifeboat.

An eleven metres long Wind Farm support vessel with 2 persons on board had suffered engine failure due to fuel problems. The skipper had called for assistance, for although the weather conditions were not unpleasant, the forecast was for gale force winds. The flint crew were concerned that the towing of the craft might be to much for the Inshore Lifeboat if the conditions deteriorated.

In the event, Flint towed the craft to a safe mooring at Mostyn Dock from a position off Greenfields, with Hoylake Lifeboat, under the command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley, in support.

28/09/2006

A crew member of an installation barge working on the construction site of the new Burbo Wind farm out in Liverpool Bay suffering from an apparent head injury, was rushed to Liverpool's royal Infirmary.

Around noon on Thursday 28th of September, the Master of the installation barge became concerned when the Philippine crewmember became dizzy and showed signs of bleeding in the ears. the cause of the complaint was uncertain. Liverpool Coastguard was called and the Hoylake lifeboat was launched to convey the casualty to the Liverpool landing stage, where both he and a chaperone from the barge were landed to a waiting ambulance and paramedic care. During the relatively short and swift passage aboard the lifeboat, the patient was cared for and given oxygen by the trained crewmembers. The lifeboat under command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley returned to station.

27/08/2006

A Married couple returning from their 25th wedding anniversary, celebrated in The Isle of Mann, found themselves in dangerous waters when the engine failed on board their 38 foot motor sailing yacht, close to the entrance to the River Mersey. the Wind was Westerly force 6 - 7, and a rough sea made the large craft difficult for the Man and wife team to handle.

The couple from Liverpool made a radio call to Liverpool Coastguard shortly before 5am, and the Hoylake lifeboat, under the command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley sped North to the position of the casualty. Once located in the turbulent seas North of the Mersey Bar, a crewmember was put aboard to assist the couple and a line was secured. the Lifeboat towed the vessel to the safety of the Liverpool Dock system, through Langton Lock, before returning to station.

29/07/2006

Whilst on exercise in the River Mersey, Hoylake Lifeboat was tasked to The Clipper "New York" to assist an injured crew member, the man had dislocated his hip on the final stretch of the race. First Aiders from the crew of the lifeboat boarded the Clipper close to the New Kings Dock in the River Mersey.

The man was immobilized, placed in a stretcher and given Entonox before being transferred to a waiting ambulance.

25/07/2006

Liverpool Coastguard requested the launch of Hoylake Lifeboat to assist New Brighton Lifeboat in towing a casualty into Hoylake, upon arrival on scene it was observed that New Brighton had the job in hand and Hoylake Lifeboat returned to station.

28/03/2006

At 0630 Hrs on Tuesday 28th March, Hoylake Lifeboat made an early start to the day with a launch to the Russian born Chief Engineer of an Oil Rig Support vessel out in Liverpool Bay. The casualty was suffering from kidney stones and was in agony. After consultation with the vessels captain and Liverpool Coastguard, it was decided to launch Hoylake Lifeboat to the rescue.

The Lifeboat under the command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley, sped to a rendezvous with the vessel with a paramedic on board, and the casualty was taken on board the Lifeboat along with another crew member as chaperone. The Lifeboat proceeded into the River Mersey to Woodside Landing Stage to land the casualty to a waiting ambulance, which transported the unfortunate man for treatment at Wirral's Arrow Park Hospital, Job done, the Lifeboat returned to station.

14/11/2005

Hoylake Lifeboat also stood by at the waters edge on the afternoon of the 14th when the Douglas Platform, out in Liverpool Bay broadcast a potential gas leak emergency call to the Coastguard. With in half an hour the Rig crew had the situation under control and the Lifeboat was re housed.

09/11/2005

Weather: Calm, Visibility Good.

On passage from Rhyl to the River Mersey to fish for Cod, a ten metre long fishing vessel developed engine problems off the disused Leasowe lighthouse and sent out a distress call to Liverpool Coastguard. There were three adult male persons on board. The skipper believes he may have struck a submerged object, which damaged his motive power.

Hoylake Lifeboat was launched to her assistance under the command of Second Coxswain Andy Dodd. Conditions were calm and the disabled craft was reached in approximately twenty minutes from launching. A towrope was secured and a drogue was streamed from the shallow drafted casualty to steady her on the passage to the safety of Liverpool Yacht Marina. When the Marina lock was reached on the ebb of the tide and the casualty safely secured, the Lifeboat returned to station.

26/09/2005

Weather: Calm, Visibility good.

Hoylake Lifeboat launched at 0550hrs to investigate a DSC, (Digital Selective Calling, an automatic radio distress signal, shipboard device.) which had been picked up and reported to Liverpool Coastguard. The signal had been transmitted by a Danish dredger of 1200 tons with a four man crew, anchored in the Wild Roads anchorage off Mostyn in the River Dee. When the Lifeboat was close aboard the vessel, the master called Liverpool Coastguard that all was well and the alarm had be activated in error. The Lifeboat returned to station.

18/09/2005

Weather: Westerly 3-4, Sea Calm, Visibility Good.

Two young cyclists who had ridden out to the end of the groyne close to Leasowe lighthouse found themselves to be cut of by a swiftly rising spring tide. On the fine Sunday morning with a strong Westerly breeze blowing, the two young cyclists both of Leasowe had taken advantage of the fine weather to take a cycle down to the waters edge. The spring tide came in quickly behind them and they were stranded and in danger of drowning. A passer by spotted their plight and made a 999 cal to the Coastguard on a mobile phone.

Fortunately for the boys, Hoylake Lifeboat, the "Lady of Hilbre" was on passage to the River Mersey to escort the start of the Round the World Clipper race and diverted to their assistance. The water was too shallow for the Lifeboat to reach the boys, so Coxswain Dave Whiteley ordered the inflatable X-Craft to be deployed from the mother craft. Crew members Dave McKenzie and Chris Heighton rowed the X-Craft to the groyne and rescued the two boys from the racing waters. The bicycles were abandoned and the X-Craft returned to the Lifeboat. Safe on board the Lifeboat the casualties were transferred to New Brighton Lifeboat, which had been launched to their assistance and the Hoylake boat proceeded to the River Mersey.

07/09/2005

Weather: South Westerly, 5-6, Sea Rough, Visibility Good.

On the ebb of a spring tide, an 8 metre yacht with two crew members on board, found herself in difficulties at the entrance to the Liverpool channel approaches. The yacht was caught out over the relatively shallow waters of the Liverpool bar with wind against tide, where, on such occasions, the sea has been compared to a "Head of Guinness". At four hours ebb on the afternoon tide the crew of the vessel, both from Manchester were disabled when confused seas swamped their motor. The mainsail jammed when the attempt was made to hoist it.

With the strong South westerly wind, the craft was manoeuvred with difficulty to the southwest of the Q9 channel buoy, clear of any commercial traffic and a distress cal was made to Liverpool Coastguard.

Hoylake Lifeboat, under the command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley was launched to her assistance, The Lifeboat battled her way to the entrance of the channel and located the casualty, which was dragging the two anchors she had dropped in an attempt to hold position. Crew member Jon Henshaw boarded to assist the crew who were suffering from seasickness, as the casualties movements were somewhat violent in the heavy seas. A tow rope was secured and with anchors aweigh, the craft was towed slowly against the ebb tide to the safety of the River Mersey. The Lifeboat remained in attendance until the Liverpool yacht Marina lock was operational on the flood of the morning tide when the casualty was moored within this sanctuary, Hoylake Lifeboat returned to station.

29/08/2005

Weather: Calm, Visibility Good.

Hoylake Lifeboat was launched to a casualty, which was in distress in the vicinity of the wind farm off the North Wales coast. Rhyl Lifeboat had taken the thirty foot motor sailor in tow. the vessel with two persons on board was in difficulties and when no other berth was found to be available on the north coast, it was decided to assist her to her home port of Liverpool. Hoylake Lifeboat relieved Rhyl Lifeboat, enabling her to return to her own district in readiness for other casualties, whilst Hoylake towed the vessel to the safety of Liverpool Yacht Marina before returning to station.

25/08/2005

Weather: West North-Westerly 6-7, Sea Rough, Swell 2-3 Metres, Visibility Fair.

A 30 foot Yacht that had broken her moorings in Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey was drifting in the vicinity of the Hamilton Platform in Liverpool Bay and was considered to be a hazard to navigation. Hoylake Lifeboat under the command of Coxswain Dave Whiteley launched in rough conditions, late in the afternoon to take the hazard in tow.

The lifeboat did not return until the early hours of the next day having boarded crew members Jon Henshaw and James Whiteley, to manage the casualty whilst she was under tow to the safety of the Port of Liverpool.

21/08/2005

Hoylake Lifeboat's Tractor, under the command of tractor driver Mark Bevan, raced against the incoming spring tide to rescue a Hoylake angler who had been cut off by the rising waters and a member of the beach patrol who had attempted her own personal rescue, only to find the tide had cut her off from safety as well, Mark and other crew members brought the two to the safety of dry land.

30/07/2005

Weather: North North-Easterly 3, Sea Calm Visibility good.

Hoylake Lifeboat launched to a thirty foot motor cruise in difficulties in the River Mersey, The casualty was located and Crew member Tony Warburton was put aboard to assist in securing the tow which would take the motor cruiser and her crew to the safety of the Marina at Brunswick dock. Later that evening, the boat and crew stood-by at the water's edge in readiness to attend the Douglas Platform, which had reported a fire, and for a time was in readiness for the evacuation of all personnel. the fire was brought under control and the Lifeboat was stood down.

14/07/2005

Weather: Calm, Visibility Good.

Hoylake Lifeboat was called out at 1905 Hrs for a swift, mercy medivac dash to rendezvous with a Trinity House survey and buoy-tender vessel, which had been operational in the vicinity of the Mersey Bar Light Vessel when the ships cook had developed a stomach complaint and along with experiencing pains, he had developed a high temperature.

"Lady of Hilbre" was launched in calm conditions and sped to meet the Trinity House vessel to the North of Hoylake. The casualty was transferred to the Lifeboat, which proceeded via the old Rock Channel, to the Liverpool Landing Stage and a waiting ambulance. With the casualty in medical care the Lifeboat retuned to station.

12/07/2005

Weather: Calm, Visibility Poor

On the evening of the 12th July the Lifeboat was called out in calm conditions to a ten metre cockle-boat on passage to the cockle grounds of the River Dee. The skipper and his crew member, had been on passage from Scotland to Mostyn in time for the limited opening of the River Dee cockle beds when his engine failed, and he was forced to anchor on the approaches to the River Dee. Conditions were calm as the evening wore on but, after a particularly hot summer's day, mist and dense fog patches were gathering, and the anchor of the craft failed to hold. The skipper called the Coastguard for assistance and the Hoylake Lifeboat, which was on routine exercise, arrived at the scene in a very short space of time. A tow rope was secured and the casualty was towed through the mists to the safety of Mostyn Harbour, arriving there at dead low-water of the tide with just sufficient water to complete the passage before the Lifeboat returned to station.

24/06/2005

Weather: Calm, Visibility Good.

A 25ftYacht from Liverpool Marina found himself in difficulties when his engine failed and he was becalmed on the flood tide. The current was sweeping him towards the shallows of the Jordan's Spit bank. The skipper had been on passage from Preston back to his home port of the Liverpool Marina. Liverpool Coastguard alerted the Hoylake Lifeboat, which sped to his rescue arriving in time to secure a tow with the help of crewman John Henshaw, before the craft ran aground. The tow being secure, the casualty was towed to the safety of the Marina.

21/06/2005

Weather: North West 4, sea moderate, swell 1 metre, visibility good.

The Lifeboat was called to a vessel in difficulty in the Crosby Channel approaching Liverpool. A 53ft ketch had been on passage to Whitehaven in company with another yacht when she suffered steering problems. The crew tried to hold position in the channel with a fairly strong ebb tide flowing. The Westerly wind, however, blew the vessel to the east of the buoyed channel and over the training bank wall where she anchored.

Hoylake Lifeboat under the command of second Coxswain Andrew Dodd, located the casualty, and, having sufficient water on the falling tide, made an approach during which time a tow rope was secured. In choppy seas, caused by the ebb tide over the training wall, the casualty was manoeuvred back to the safety of the deep water channel. The tow was continued to a safe anchorage in the vicinity of tranmere where repairs to the steering gear were affected. The Lifeboat then returned to Station.

19/06/2005

Weather: South Easterly 2, sea calm, visibility good.

Hoylake Lifeboat was called out to a casualty close to, and North of the Hoylake Boathouse, A yacht was proceeding at speed back to the River Mersey when, off course, she struck the top of the East Hoyle bank. The craft grounded with a list of 15 degrees and was believed to have possibly sustained hull damage. The Skipper informed the coastguard of their plight and Hoylake Lifeboat was launched to assist the Yacht.

The Lifeboat reached the casualty in a short space of time and a tow was secured, Soundings were taken and, no leaks being found, the Lifeboat towed the refloated Yacht to the safety of the River Mersey before returning to station.

11/06/2005

Weather: Westerly 1, sea calm, visibility good.

Hoylake crew's were also involved in both the delivery from and the safe return Conway, of a relief Mersey Class Lifeboat "Margaret Jean", which was part of the Mersey River Festival in the Canning Dock. This craft was used by the RNLI in the North West as the platform from which to launch the new  Training Initiative of the institution.

12/06/2005

Weather: West North Westerly. 5-6 Occasionally 7, Sea Moderate, visibility good.

During the Sunday of the Mersey River Festival, both Hoylake and the relief Lifeboat  "Margaret Jean" (Manned by Hoylake crew) were in attendance when New Brighton Lifeboat rescued a sailing vessel which was blown onto the dock wall by strong West North Westerly winds during the Parade of Sail in the River Mersey on the Sunday afternoons tide.

07/05/2005

Weather: Westerly 5 -6 occasionally 7, sea rough, visibility good.

The Lifeboat had launched on exercise to join Lytham Lifeboat on a "Man Overboard" Coastguard operation at the Lennox Platform out in Liverpool Bay. The exercise was called off due to the adverse weather conditions, which prevented the planned operation being valid.

Whilst the Hoylake Lifeboat was in the River Dee, Liverpool Coastguards attention was drawn to the plight of a number of  "Wayfarer" class sailing dinghies, which were visiting Dee Sailing Club for match-race series. Dee officials had wisely called the meeting off due to the adverse weather conditions resulting from the strong westerly wind, However the visiting sailors from Bolton decided to sail anyway and soon  found themselves in difficulty.

A rescue boat was launched from Dee Sailing  Club and Hoylake Lifeboat was called to the scene, the large dinghies were in trouble with several capsizing. and righting them was taking its toll on the crews strength. West Kirby ilb was also called to assist, the craft were all collected and eventually safely beached, one skipper of a boat Hoylake Lifeboat rescued, protested that all was fine, despite the facts that the boats mast had snapped off and that the Hoylake Lifeboat had rescued and taken on board a 10 year old boy crew member suffering from hypothermia.

Once the Inland Sailors were back on dry land, the Lifeboats returned to station.

18/04/2005

Weather: West North West Gale force 8, sea rough, Visibility good.

Hoylake Lifeboat "Lady of Hilbre" was launched shortly after midday into WNW gale force winds following a request from Liverpool Coastguard.

A 22ft angling boat had reported to the Coastguard by VHF radio that they had 2 people overboard, Initial reports gave a confusing position and the Lifeboat made full speed towards the entrance to the Mersey channel, the New Brighton Lifeboat was also launched and proceeded down the channel from its station.

The vessel was located by the C3 channel buoy some distance from Formby Point with 4 people on board, fortunately they had managed to recover the people from the water themselves, the Lifeboats escorted the vessel through some very rough conditions in the Mersey to the safety of the Liverpool landing stage. 2 of the people on board were transferred by ambulance to hospital suffering from the effects of hypothermia, one also had a serious neck injury, with the vessel safely within the sheltered waters of the Mersey estuary awaiting tide for re-entry to Liverpool Marina, the lifeboats returned to their stations having been on service in gale force winds for over five hours.  

10/04/2005

Weather: Westerly Force 8, Sea rough.

Hoylake Lifeboat answered two call-outs on Sunday, 10th April, The first was an early start at 0400Hrs, when Liverpool Coastguard received a "Mayday" distress call from a single handed yachtsman on an overnight passage from Holyhead to Liverpool Yacht Marina, The skipper of the 26ft motor sailor was eight miles west of the bar light vessel when he was experiencing weather conditions somewhat worse than expected.

Wind against tide made for extreme conditions, which were too much for the relatively small craft, and the result was that steering became ineffective when rudder damage was sustained and the skipper sent a "Mayday" cal to Liverpool Coastguard. Hoylake Lifeboat was alerted and launched to the casualty in strong winds and a heavy swell, the disabled was located by the Lifeboats sophisticated detection equipment.

The Coxswain Dave Whiteley skilfully manoeuvred the "Lady of Hilbre" alongside in rough weather  to enable Second Coxswain Andy Dodd, to board the stricken yacht and assist  the tired skipper, a tow rope was secured and the long slow haul was begun to the safety of the River Mersey, The Lifeboat experienced some  difficulty in the relatively shallow waters of the Formby Strait, The tow however was successfully completed and shelter was ensured in the Brunswick Lock before the Lifeboat returned to station.

10/04/2005

Later in the evening of the same day when the weather had moderated the Lifeboat was launched again, this time to the Douglas Oil platform in Liverpool Bay, when a fire alarm was raised and all sixty two persons on board were sent to emergency stations for evacuation, The Lifeboat was recalled whilst on passage to the rig when the emergency was brought under control by the rigs own systems. 

12/2004

Weather: Northerly Force 12, Sea  very rough, Visibility good, Swell 3-4 Metres.

Due to weather conditions Liverpool Coastguard requested Hoylake lifeboat launch to back up Flint Lifeboat who was standing by at Flintshire Bridge, on reaching the launch position Hoylake Lifeboat was requested to return to station..

16/11/2004

Weather: Westerly Force 6, Sea rough, Visibility Good, Swell 1 metre.

A ferry passenger reports a possible suicide after a male passenger had passed his wallet to him, stripped and jumped overboard, Hoylake lifeboat was requested to attend by Liverpool Coastguard, New Brighton Lifeboat were already on scene as was police helicopter Mike1, No casualty was found and the search was call off by the Coastguard.

04/07/2004

Weather: West North West Force 5, Sea moderate, Visibility good, Swell 1 metre.

Received a report from Liverpool Coastguard that a light aircraft had ditched, Hoylake Lifeboat launched to participate in search for aircraft which included New Brighton Lifeboat, County rescue, RAF rescue helicopter 122 and police helicopter Mike1, Mike1 reported seeing a slick, Hoylake Lifeboat proceeded to the position given by Mike1 and the crew reported they could smell aviation fuel, remaining shore crew were dispatched to New Brighton to assist with a beach search to the west, 2 bodies were later recovered by divers and transferred from New Brighton Lifeboat to Hoylake Lifeboat and passed to police on arrival at the lifeboat station. 

22/06/2004

Weather: South Easterly Force 6-7, Visibility poor, Swell 2 metres.

Relief Lifeboat "Margaret Jean" with Hoylake crew on board on passage received a call from Holyhead Coastguard that a survey vessel had an engine failure in Cardigan Bay and requested the Lifeboat to attend, the "Margaret Jean" altered course and towed the vessel towards Fishguard where the Fishguard Lifeboat took the vessel in tow, the "Margaret Jean" proceeded with her passage.

20/06/2004

Weather: Northerly Force 4-6,  Sea rough, Visibility good, Swell 1 metre.

On returning from the Mersey River Festival and a refit the Hoylake Lifeboat was requested by Liverpool Coastguard to attend a 23' motor sailor that had suffered engine failure, vessel was taken in tow and delivered to the safety of Langton Lock.

04/06/2004

Weather: Westerly Force 4, Sea slight, Visibility good, Swell 0.5 metre.

Liverpool Coastguard requested launch to assist New Brighton Lifeboat in towing a MFV (Motor fishing Vessel) that was believed to have a gearbox problem due to the tidal stream strength, New Brighton Lifeboat eventually towed the vessel into Hoylake and Hoylake Lifeboat returned to station.

09/01/2004

Weather: Westerly Force 7, sea rough, Visibility moderate, Swell 2-3 metres.

Liverpool Coastguard requested launch due to vessel have weak radio communications and reduced sail area due to wind speed, vessel located and escorted to safety.

Thanks to John Curry and Kim Jackson for the use of these narratives.