COASTGUARD teams were called out after reports that people had become stuck on their boat in the River Dee.

Flint Coastguard Rescue Team was tasked by UK Coastguard along with Rhyl Coastguard Rescue Team just before 4pm on Tuesday to reports of an 18ft motor vessel with three persons on board stuck in mud on a sandbank near number nine Dee buoy,

A spokesman for the team said: "Coastguard team quickly on scene and located vessel and three persons in question near the vessel who were seen not to be stuck in mud. As a result Rhyl Coastguard Team were stood down en-route.

"Flint R.N.L.I Lifeboat were tasked to assist however, once launched, and due to the ebbing tide were struggling to make progress.

"RNLI Hoylake hovercraft then requested and tasked to assist.

"Flint Lifeboat was guided to scene by coastguard rescue officers on the shore with a higher vantage point to try and determine deeper water."

The spokesman explained the Flint lifeboat arrived on scene and the three people were walked across sandbank and taken onboard.

"Flint Lifeboat then intended to drop off the three persons at the Holy gutter, Bagillt," the spokesman continued.

"Again due to the ebbing tide this was unsuccessful and the lifeboat ran aground.

"Hoylake Hovercraft were quickly on scene and took the three persons onboard off Flint Lifeboat, Hovercraft Crew then helped to refloat Flint Lifeboat.

"All three persons were then handed over to Flint Coastguard Rescue Team at Greenfield Dock, who were safe and well and did not require any medical assistance.

"We would like to thank Flint Lifeboat Crew and Hoylake Hovercraft Crew for an effective rescue given the tidal conditions."

The team was called out again at about 10.30pm that night however after reports four males were trying to recover the same vessel.

According to the coastguard team on scene safety advice was given, which they adhered to.

"Their intentions are to locate the vessel during daylight hours and ensuring they have the appropriate safety equipment," the spokesman concluded.