Northern Ireland Coastguard Rescue Teams honoured for their rescue efforts

Crossing the bridge

Crossing a rocky chasm that’s 30 metres deep with crashing waves at the bottom is tricky enough. 
Crossing that chasm using a bridge made of planks and rope is something else altogether. 
Crossing a dizzying gap over the North Atlantic on a rope bridge while it sways because it’s blowing a gale, is enough to test the mettle of the bravest.
But walking across a swaying rope bridge whilst carrying heavy rescue equipment? That’s a Coastguard thing.
It was just after 1pm on 5th July 2014, when a 999 call was made to the Belfast Coastguard Operations Centre by the warden at the National Trust run Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. 

It connects a small island to the mainland and was originally built and used by fishermen.
The warden could see two kayakers who’d got themselves stranded and who were in a perilous position on the rocks at the base of the island. Ballycastle and Coleraine Coastguard Rescue Teams were sent to help, along with the Portrush RNLI lifeboat. But it soon became clear, the boat wouldn’t get there because of the weather conditions.
Working together

The CRTs on the other hand could get there. But to rescue the kayakers they’d need their kit and it would all have to be carried down steep steps and across that bridge.
Once they’d done that and set everything up, their work had still only just begun. Rope technician Gareth McKellar was lowered by the rest of the team to the stranded kayakers. 
Despite being battered and soaked by the heavy swell, he still managed to safely bring the first kayaker up to the top. Gerard McFall took Gareth’s place and – with the whole team still working together – was lowered down to the second kayaker to bring him back up.
The whole rescue took two-and-a-half hours and the kayakers were treated for minor injuries.

Not surprisingly both Ballycastle and Coleraine Coastguard Rescue Teams have been given the Chief Coastguard Commendation for Meritorious service.
Chief Coastguard Keith Oliver said, ‘Our Coastguard Rescue Teams work all year round to search, to rescue and to save. We know the work they do, the training they undertake and the lengths they will go to save people’s lives.
‘What our Coastguard Rescue Teams do matters. What each individual volunteer does matters.
‘Both the Ballycastle and Coleraine Coastguard Rescue Teams upheld the finest traditions of HM Coastguard and help to make us the world-class service that we are.




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