THE exhausted crews of a motor boat and kayak were rescued after getting stranded while trying to row against ebbing tide near Hilbre Island.

West Kirby lifeboat volunteers were called to the incident, which occurred to the east side of Hilbre Island near to Stanley Road slipway, Hoylake on Thursday afternoon.

They were alerted by HM Coastguard following a call from one of the two casualties.

The motor boat's engine had failed and the casualties, one onboard each of the vessels, had attempted to row to shore against an ebbing tide but had exhausted themselves.

They called 999 and asked for guidance and support from HM Coastguard, who tasked West Kirby RNLI to immediately launch.

The local coastguard unit arrived and were able to reach the casualties from the nearby beach.

The two casualties were quickly transferred to West Kirby's inshore lifeboat following an assessment of the risk of them being carried out to sea on the ebbing tide.

West Kirby RNLI's inshore lifeboat returned the casualties and vessels to Sandy Lane slipway adjacent to West Kirby Sailing Club. The Coastguard provided further casualty care.

Andrew Brown, West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat deputy launch authority said: "The casualties made the correct decision when they called 999 and asked for the Coastguard as they were in an increasingly vulnerable position due to the ebbing tide.

"HM Coastguard and West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat worked closely together to ensure the safest outcome for the casualties while preventing any further risk."