Wirral Coastguard and Crosby Coastguard secured a landing site at Joe Stones Playing Field for Irish Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter 116 during Storm Boelo.
The aircraft was transporting a casualty from the Isle of Man to Liverpool Aintree Hospital. The team said the playing field was used because the hospital's helipad was too small for the helicopter. The crew landed and took off in conditions the Coastguard described as extremely challenging.
In its post, the team also asked people to keep back from the water and avoid exposed coastal areas during the storm. Visitors planning time on the shore can check today's tide times and read about being cut off by the tide. If you see someone in difficulty at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Earlier that day, the team had been called following reports of four youths playing in the waves and entering the water at Monks Ferry Slipway. Officers were stood down on their way there after confirmation that the group had left the area.
Sources
Published 26 October 2026. Incident details come from the sources above. HilbreTides is an independent safety and information site for visitors to Hilbre Island and the wider Wirral coast.
Quick links: today’s Hilbre crossing window · all Wirral tide times · what to do if you’re cut off · more rescue reports.