Anstruther RNLI assists cliff rescue of injured female to Coastguard helicopter
Anstruther Lifeboat was paged to launch shortly before 2.50pm this afternoon to the rescue of a fallen walker on the precarious East Neuk chain walk.
Both lifeboat launched immediately and proceeded to the west side of Shell Bay where they located the 66 year old female who had fallen and suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder.
Arriving first on scene was our D-Class lifeboat and our volunteer crew quickly assessed the condition of the lady and administered first aid treatment. Our all-weather lifeboat joined and passed over further casualty trained volunteers to assist in the operation.
With the injured woman situated in a difficult position for a safe extraction by lifeboat, it was decided to request the assistance of the Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter based at Prestwick to airlift the casualty off the cliff and onto a nearby playing field where an ambulance could transport her to hospital.
The aircraft arrived on scene a short time later and carried out the winch of the casualty before passing over control to the waiting ambulance crews.
Both lifeboats stood down shortly after 5.00pm and returned to Anstruther where they were rehoused in the station ready for the next time our volunteers are requested to launch.
The chain walk is enjoyed by hundreds of people each year and the dangers that accompany are very real. We advise that when enjoying this walk, please fully prepared for the rugged coastline you will encounter and if you do happen to get into difficulty, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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