Larne RNLI involved in multi-agency rescue after cyclist falls 12ft from road

Larne RNLI in County Antrim was involved in the multi-agency rescue of a cyclist this afternoon (Sunday 16 July) after he fell between 12 and 15ft from the Coast Road north of Ballygally.

The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch both their all-weather and inshore lifeboats at 10.15am following a report from Belfast Coastguard that a cyclist had fallen down a steep slope half a mile north of Ballygally, onto a rocky shore.

Larne and Ballycastle Coastguard also responded along with personnel from both the fire and rescue service and the ambulance service.

Weather was good at the time of the launch with a north westerly wind and a calm sea.

Once on scene, two crew members from the all-weather lifeboat went ashore with the inshore lifeboat crew to help with the extraction of the casualty.

The casualty was assessed by a doctor and paramedic from the ambulance service and a decision was made to transfer from the beach via the inshore lifeboat.

A doctor and paramedic accompanied the casualty as the lifeboat made the short journey back to Ballygally beach. With the lifeboat beached, the casualty was transferred into the care of the waiting Coastguard team and ambulance personnel.

Speaking following the call out, Larne RNLI helm Pamela Leitch said: ‘Due to the nature of the cyclist’s fall, the position for extraction was challenging via land and the best decision was to remove him from the beach side. We would like to wish the cyclist a speedy recovery following what must have been a frightening experience for him. Today’s call out was a great example of different agencies working well together to bring someone to safety.’

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For more information please telephone Fiona Kirkpatrick, Larne RNLI Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07738059405 or contact Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Tel: 00 353 87 648 3547or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Tel: 00 353 87 1254 124 or [email protected]

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