Update on RNLI search for missing girl, 14, off St Annes Beach after teenager separated from family

A search was launched for a missing teenager off St Annes Beach as RNLI volunteers were scrambled on Bank Holiday Monday following reports of a missing teenage girl at St Annes Beach.

The volunteer crew were paged at approximately 6.15pm after concerns were raised for a 14-year-old female who had become separated from her family and could not be located.

Lytham St Annes RNLI’s D Class lifeboat MOAM was launched promptly and began a coordinated shoreline search between St Annes Pier and Starr Gate. The operation was carried out alongside HM Coastguard and Police teams, with all agencies working together to locate the missing person as quickly as possible.

After approximately two hours of searching, the RNLI crew were stood down and returned to the boathouse. Shortly afterwards, it was confirmed that the teenager had been found safe and well on shore and reunited with her family by Coastguard and Police colleagues.

RNLI helm on the shout, Vinny Pedley, said: “We were very relieved to hear that the young person was found safe and well and reunited with her family. This was a multi-agency response with everyone working together, we would like to thank our colleagues in the Coastguard and Police for their support during the search.”

During the operation, crews were reminded of the challenges that litter can present in search and rescue situations.

“Every item spotted in the water must be treated as a potential clue and investigated thoroughly,’ Vinny added. “Debris and litter can slow down searches and divert attention at what are often time- critical incidents.’

The Lytham RNLI crew are asking all beach visitors to help keep the coastline safe by disposing of litter responsibly or taking it home.