A MAN who was spotted drifting out to sea off Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton has been taken to hospital following a rescue mission.

The Coastguard Rescue Team launched the rescue operation along with Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, and the National Police Air Service, after receiving a 999 call of a person in the water at 8.37am yesterday, Saturday.

Wirral Globe:

Holyhead Coastguard Operations Centre remained on the phone to the 999 caller and relayed the information to the New Brighton Lifeboat, in order for them to locate the man and bring him back to shore.

A spokesman for the Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team said: “Given the location reported by the first informant, Crosby Coastguard Rescue Team were tasked to Seaforth to establish a visual from that location.

Wirral Globe:

“New Brighton Lifeboat were tasked and quickly launched along with Marine Fire One to carry out a search of the river whilst Coastguard Rescue Officers carried out a shore line search and liaised with Merseyside Police Officers and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Fire Crews. The National Police Air Service (NPAS) Helicopter was also on scene searching.

Wirral Globe:

“With Holyhead Coastguard Operations Centre still on the phone to the 999 caller, accurate information was able to be obtained which enabled New Brighton Lifeboat to locate and rescue the casualty and bring him back to shore to awaiting North West Ambulance Service Paramedics. The casualty was transported to hospital by ambulance.

Wirral Globe:

“We would like to thank all emergency services who attended what was an excellent multi-agency response and also the 999 caller who provided excellent information which enabled the casualty to be swiftly rescued.”

Coastal emergency? Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.