Major Search and Rescue Operation Off Formby Coast Ends After No One Found

A major search and rescue operation involving HM Coastguard and three RNLI lifeboats took place off the coast of Formby and Southport during the early hours of Tuesday morning (4th August).

The incident began shortly after 3am, with flight and marine tracking showing a HM Coastguard Sikorsky S-92 search and rescue helicopter, a HM Coastguard Beechcraft King Air surveillance aircraft, and RNLI lifeboats from Fleetwood, Blackpool and Lytham carrying out extensive search patterns offshore.

The helicopter and fixed wing aircraft repeatedly searched the area from the air while the lifeboats carried out coordinated searches at sea.

From information currently available, the search was launched following reports that possible distress flares had been seen in the night sky.

After an extensive search of the area, no one was found in the water, and the operation was stood down at around 4am.

Thankfully, it appears there was no one in distress.

No official statement has yet been released by HM Coastguard or the RNLI explaining the circumstances surrounding the reports of the possible flares.

Formby Bubble will provide a further update if any official information becomes available.