Red Bay RNLI rescues fisherman trapped after fall from rocks
Red Bay RNLI in County Antrim rescued a fisherman in the early hours of this morning (Saturday 10 June) after he fell and became trapped between rocks near Glenarm Marina.
The volunteer crew was requested to launch both their all-weather and inshore lifeboats shortly before 2.30am at the request of Belfast Coastguard. The Coastguard unit from Larne was also tasked.
The all-weather lifeboat under Coxswain Charles Stewart and the inshore lifeboat helmed by Paddy McLaughlin immediately launched into the darkness and made their way to the scene.
Weather conditions at the time were poor with rain leading to low visibility, a moderate sea and a Force 4 south easterly wind blowing.
The fisherman who had been fishing off rocks near Glenarm Marina got into difficulty when he fell down between large rocks and became wedged. His girlfriend raised the alarm.
Once on scene, the lifeboat crew observed that the man was trapped in an isolated area among large boulders.
The inshore lifeboat crew proceeded to the casualty and immediately began to work to free the fisherman before administering casualty care.
The man was then successfully placed on a stretcher and transferred to the lifeboat and taken to the nearby marina and into the care of the ambulance service.
Speaking following the call out, Paddy McLaughlin, Red Bay RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘We would like to wish the fisherman a speedy recovery following what must have been a frightening ordeal for him early this morning. This was a particularly challenging call out as the casualty fell in an isolated area where there are a lot of large boulders and so extraction could only be done by sea. There was a real team effort involved with our crews on both the inshore and all-weather lifeboat working closing together with our colleagues in Larne Coast Guard to bring the man to safety.
‘We would remind anyone planning any activity near or at sea this summer, to always respect the water. Go prepared for the weather conditions and always carry a means of calling for help should you get into difficulty. Always let someone on the shore know when and where you are going and when you are due back.’
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For more information please contact Paddy McLaughlin, Red Bay RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07802308821 or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Ireland on 00353876483547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Ireland on 00 353 87 1254 124 or [email protected]
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