RNLI rescue 'intoxicated' man from sea

Coastguard crews and police requested help from the RNLI after being called out at 2am on Saturday to reports of a man in the water near Morecambe.

The man had dialled for help from his phone and was said to be in a 'low mood'.

An RNLI spokesman said: "Within 10 minutes of the request, the inshore rescue hovercraft was launched onto the ebbing tide; while more crew members remained on standby with the inshore lifeboat, in case they were needed to assist in a search.

"The man, who was described as being heavily intoxicated by alcohol, made his own way to shore as the hovercraft arrived on scene; where he was taken into police custody, before being transferred to hospital, suffering from cold.

"Both rescue craft were then stood down and returned to station."