Four people and three dogs caught in tidal surge off Wirral

West Kirby Lifeboat crew was re-routed from a training exercise on Sunday morning to investigate reports of two groups of people being cut off by the tide between Middle Eye and Little Eye.

The tide was racing in and the wind was building as the boat made its way to those stranded.

The lifeboat was soon alongside the first set of two people standing on rocks, surrounded by water. They were landed ashore with their dog Geoff.

The second set consisted of two people and two dogs, named on West Kirby Lifeboat Station's Facebook page as Esther and Erica. They were recovered from the Middle Eye and landed back ashore to the care of Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team.

West Kirby RNLI crew during rescue of four people and three dogs on Sunday (October 20) (Image: RNLI/Andy Roberts) The crew relaunched the lifeboat to carry out a check of the islands and then resumed their exercise, before returning to the station to clean and refuel ready for service by 1.15pm.

Andy Brown, West Kirby RNLI Launch Authority, said: "It's been a busy weekend for our West Kirby volunteer crew as a result of the continuing high spring tides and today’s strong winds, with 14 people and 4 dogs rescued in 48 hours.

"As always, we are grateful to the members of the public who did the right thing in calling the emergency services and asking for the Coastguard.

"Even though the individuals had planned their trips carefully, the tidal surge proved to be too strong.

West Kirby RNLI during rescue of four people and three dogs on Monday (October 20) (Image: West Kirby RNLI / Facebook) "With high tides like those we’ve seen over the weekend, we’d recommend making your way back to shore from Little Eye no later than three hours before high tide. We’d also urge people to stick to the sand and not the rocks, as they can be exceptionally slippery and cause injury."

Mr Brown continued: "The strong winds are expected to continue today (Monday, October 21), so we advise taking extra precautions if you’re near the coast. If in doubt, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard - our crew is here to help.

"After two emergency callouts and a long exercise within 48 hours, I’d like to thank the families of the crew, who, as always, tirelessly 'hold the fort' for us while we practise our skills and answer any call for help - it’s really appreciated."

West Kirby RNLI crewmember during rescue of four people and three dogs on Monday (October 20) (Image: West Kirby RNLI / Facebook)