A major emergency response was triggered at Meols beach on the Wirral after reports of a person walking into the sea and vanishing from sight. Coastguards, RNLI, police, and firefighters were dispatched around 7:30 am following the sighting.
Massive Search Operation
The North West Ambulance Service, Hazardous Area Response Team, and a fire service drone unit from Formby also joined the search. Coastguard rescue officers combed the tideline while an RNLI Hoylake hovercraft scoured the water for the suspected casualty.
Person Found Safe
The individual was eventually located by coastguard officers safe and well, tending to their nets. It turned out to be a sea angler wearing waders.
A Wirral Coastguard spokesman said: "The team was called at 7:28 am following concerns for a person seen walking a considerable distance out onto the beach at Meols, entering the water and then disappearing from sight."
"Coastguard Rescue Officers arrived and spoke with police and the initial informant. Several residents had also witnessed the person walking out towards the tideline."
"Three Coastguard Rescue Officers kitted up and began the long walk out to the tideline. RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat Station Hovercraft was also tasked to assist."
"Coastguard officers located the person a considerable distance out at the tideline. They were safe and well, tending to their nets. They had entered the water and were wearing waders."
False Alarm with Good Intent
The incident was recorded as a false alarm with good intent. RNLI Hoylake was asked to sweep the surrounding area to ensure no one else was in difficulty.
The coastguard added: "The beaches at Meols and Hoylake shelf away gradually, meaning people walking out on the sandbanks can easily disappear from view when seen from the shore."
"The initial informant did exactly the right thing by raising the alarm, particularly after seeing the person enter the water."
"For any incident at the coast, on the beach, cliffs, mud, or in the water, always call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. HM Coastguard coordinates search and rescue around the UK coastline and can quickly task appropriate resources."
