Lone yachtsman in Wirral sea drama

Oct 10 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

New Brighton RNLI lifeboat on the River Mersey _240

A lone sailor trapped off Hilbre Island in the Dee Estuary sent an SOS to coastguards this afternoon after the engine on his 17ft yacht failed. 

West Kirkby lifeboat station launched its new 17ft inflatable to go to the aid of the sailor, a man in his 60s from Meols. The yacht was towed towards Heswall where it was securely anchored.

RNLI operations manager at West Kirby, Dave Henshaw said: "The yacht was off the north west edge of Hilbre Island when the engine failed. As there was no wind there was a risk of the boat drifting out to sea with the tide. The occupant used his mobile telephone to alert the coastguard to his plight and we launched our inflatable to go to his assistance.  He was in no immediate danger, but had he drifted there could have been problems."