Busy weekend for local rescue services
Thursday, 24 July 2008
Two divers from the Newry and Mourne Sub Aqua Club reach dry land after being airlifed from the west coast of Rathlin Island and inset, the Sligo based rescue helicopter.
The importance of coastal safety was highlighted last weekend after five people were rescued of the Ballycastle shoreline in two separate incidents.
The people, including two children aged six and ten, all had to be airlifted to safety after getting into difficulties.
RNLI spokesperson, Judy Barr, said the incidents should encourage North Coast visitors and tourists to make safety a top priority this summer.
She said: "We would urge holiday makers to take care this summer. We always have our volunteers on stand-by in case anything happens.
“What we want is for everyone to have an enjoyable stay but to remember to make safety a priority."
The first rescue incident unfolded at around noon on Friday, July 18.
A mother and father and their two children had been walking from Murlough Bay to Fairhead to go camping when they began to experience difficulties.
Ballycastle based coastguard, Gordon Munro, said the family had embarked on a 'long walk over dangerous conditions."
The father was forced to leave his wife and children trapped in the Boulder Field area on the headland in order to find a signal on his mobile phone and allow him to raise the alarm.
Gordon said: "The man reached the top of the cliff and was then able to phone the police and the coastguard, and summons the police rescue helicopter.
“The coastguard located the family and the wife and two children were lifted to the clifftop, after a police officer was winched down to them."
The family were all uninjured, but were left shaken by their ordeal. The children were said to be frightened and tired when they finally reached safety.
Unit executive officer for the Air Support Unit, Brian Cairns said: "We received the call shortly after 11.45am and located the family within a short time.
“The father, who went for help, was located and airlifted while one of my officers was dropped to the scene and assisted the mother and two children to a suitable landing site were they were then airlifted to the top of Fairhead and reunited.
“The skilful flying of the pilot and his colleagues allowed for a quick and successful rescue and I would congratulate all those involved for their dedication and professionalism."
