Maritime and Coastguard Agency
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Man is found a mile offshore after two hour search
A large scale search for a man who became disorientated in fog in Merseyside whilst walking his dogs this morning has now been concluded after he was located a mile offshore and transferred to hospital.
The man had telephoned his wife after he became disorientated in thick fog and was concerned that the tide was beginning to come in. His wife then contacted a local lifeguard organisation who informed Liverpool Coastguard.
Liverpool Coastguard tasked Crosby and Southport Coastguard Rescue Teams to begin a search of the area, and requested the launch of the Lytham St. Anne's RNLI Inshore and All Weather Lifeboats, as well as Southport Independent Rescue Boat (who also provided quad bikes to assist in the shore search). Rescue Helicopter 122 was scrambled from RAF Valley as well as units from Merseyside Police and Fire and Rescue.
Liverpool Coastguard were able to speak to the man on his mobile phone but due to the fog he was unable to communicate a clear location, and with the tide coming in quickly and an hour having elapsed since the search was launched, concerns were growing for the man's safety. A connect call was made to the missing man via the rescue helicopter, but contact was later lost.
At 1345, two hours since the man was reported missing, he was located by Southport Independent Lifeboat, along with his three dogs, waist deep in water and a mile offshore. He was then winched into the rescue helicopter and flown to Blackpool Airport where he will be transferred by ambulance to Blackpool Infirmary. Lytham St. Anne's Coastguard Rescue Team were present at the airport to assist with the transfer of the casualty, who is suspected to be hypothermic. Two of the man's dogs are safe and well, however one was in a poor condition when the man was found and was also taken into the helicopter. Liverpool Coastguard have arranged for a Police vet to attend to treat the hypothermic animal.
Liverpool Coastguard Watch Manager Paul Parkes said:
"It was a huge relief to all resources involved in the search when the casualty was located, as, having lost contact with the man and with the poor weather conditions and the tide coming in fast, we were becoming extremely concerned for his welfare.
If you are planning a coastal walk always ensure that you check the weather conditions and tide timetables before you set off, and inform someone at home of your intentions so that they can raise the alarm if you do not return. If you find yourself in danger on the coast, or you suspect someone you know is in danger, always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on the Web at http://www.mcga.gov.uk
