Portrush RNLI rescues man that falls from rock into sea at Ballintoy
Portrush RNLI's all-weather lifeboat was launched last night (Thursday 2 August) in response to a launch request from Belfast Coastguard to assist with the recovery of a male casualty had fallen from Elephants Rock into the sea at Ballintoy approximately 17 miles east of Portrush.
The volunteer crew launched the lifeboat at 6.45pm and arrived on scene at Ballintoy accompanied by the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance. Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the Coastguard. The Rescue 199 Coastguard helicopter from Prestwick was also tasked.
When the lifeboat crew arrived on scene the man was quickly located and the small inflatable Y boat was deployed from the all-weather lifeboat to the outcrop in order to assess the injuries. The Y boat crew transferred the casualty onto a basket stretcher to prepare for evacuation back to the harbour where he was transferred to the Air Ambulance and taken to hospital in Belfast.
Speaking following the call out, Keith Gilmore, Portrush RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: 'This was a classic operation for our volunteer lifeboat crew and something they train for on a regular basis. The crew work closely with the Ambulance Service, the Helicopter pilots and the Coastguard regularly to make sure we are ready for this sort of situation. It takes skill and patience to execute this type of manoeuvre but something they do with skill and expertise. We would like to wish the casualty a speedy recovery.’
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For information please contact Judy Nelson, Portush RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer,on 07736923936 or e-mail [email protected] or contact Niamh Stephenson RNLI Media Relations Manager Tel 00353 871254124 email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Regional Media Officer Tel. 00353 876483547 email [email protected]
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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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