Coastguard Teams Respond to Two Major Incidents in Formby and Aintree including bones and clothes found on the beach

Feb 21 min read

Emergency teams were called to two separate incidents on Saturday 1st February, responding first to reports of bones and clothing found on Formby Beach before being redeployed to assist with a critical helicopter landing at Aintree.

At 4:32 PM, HM Coastguard Crosby and local teams attended Formby Beach following reports of suspicious remains discovered along the shoreline. After careful examination, the bones were identified as belonging to a seal, while the reported clothing turned out to be the animal’s hide or pelt.

While still on scene in Formby, the teams received a second urgent call at 6:55 PM, requiring them to prepare a helicopter landing site (HLS) at Aintree for the incoming Rescue 936. The teams conducted a Foreign Object Debris (FOD) check, ensuring the area was clear and secure for landing. Upon arrival, Rescue 936 successfully transferred a casualty to a waiting ambulance for further medical attention.

This operation was particularly significant, as it marked the first practical helicopter deployment for several newly trained officers, an essential skill in search and rescue operations.

Also assisting in the coordination of the response was Holyhead MRCC.

The incidents highlight the dedication and professionalism of our emergency services, who remain always on call to respond to a wide range of situations.