SIX RESCUED FROM FREEZING WATER OFF ALNMOUTH IN BLIZZARD CONDITIONS

Six people were rescued this afternoon from freezing waters in blizzard conditions are a dinghy sailing trip went wrong.

A member of the public phoned Humber Coastguard at 13.50 this afternoon to report that there were people in the water off Alnmouth. RNLI Amble Inshore and Offshore Lifeboat were asked to head for the scene along with Amble Coastguard Rescue Team. All these volunteers made their way to the scene through treacherous, blizzard conditions.

RAF Rescue 131 from Boulmer were also asked to attend and reached the scene first. When they arrived they found the sailors had managed to pull themselves out of the water but one 78 year old man was hypothermic, despite wearing a dry suit. He was flown to hospital at Wansbeck, where the aircraft has now been snowed in.

The other dinghy sailors were checked by paramedics from the Northeast Ambulance service. Two others were found to be suffering from mild hypothermia.

Graham Dawson, Watch Manager at Humber Coastguard said
"Today’s weather wasn’t particularly suitable for dinghy sailing with blizzard conditions and ice reportedly flowing downstream. These six people were very lucky that there predicament was spotted by a member of the public so that we could send a rapid medical response.

“I’d ask people to remember that when they get in to trouble we have to ask volunteers like our Coastguard Rescue Officers and the RNLI to venture out in treacherous conditions to rescue them. Remember check weather and tides before you head out and if it looks like conditions are unsuitable they almost certainly are.”
-Notes to Editors-
• The MCA is a partner in the Sea Vision UK campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the sea and maritime activities. Sea Vision promotes the importance and economic value of the sector and works to highlight the exciting range of activities and career opportunities available to young people within the UK growing maritime sector. http://www.seavisionuk.org/
•  Stay safe - before heading out on the water get trained, check weather and tides, wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol and keep in touch
• Follow us on Twitter. Find us at MCA_media

For further information please contact
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office, on:
(023) 8032 9401
Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on the Web at http://www.mcga.gov.uk/

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