Wirral father and son-in-law thank lifeboat crew following rescue (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral father and son-in-law thank lifeboat crew following rescue

5:20pm Monday 13th February 2012 in News By Craig Manning

A FATHER and son-in-law rescued from a Wirral beach after becoming stranded in freezing fog have met the lifeboat crew that saved their lives.

Brian Clarke and Shaun Keeble were found by West Kirby's inshore lifeboat team after losing their way near Hilbre Island on the night of Monday, February 6.

The two men and their dog, Stanley, had walked to Hilbre Island for the afternoon. On their return they became enveloped in fog and, in the darkness, lost their way.

They were found three hours later, floating on their backs severely hypothermic and close to death.

Today Brian, accompanied by wife Linda accompanied by their daughter Beckie, Shaun and two-week-old granddaughter Alice, visited the lifeboat station to meet some of the crew who conducted the rescue.

Brian said he was surprised how fast the tide came in and was greatful to everyone involved in saving their lives.

Wife Linda stated on facebook: "Without these guys at West Kirby I would be a widow and my baby grandaughter wouldn’t have a daddy. Words are not enough for what they did".

Dave Henshaw, Lifeboat Opperations Manager, showed the two men and their families around the Lifeboat Station and introduced them to the crew.

He said: "The sand and mudbanks of the River Dee are very dangerous in daylight with knowledge, but in the dark with freezing fog and a tide rising by two inches a minute around you, the experience would be horrifying to say the least. These two men are very lucky to be alive."