MAN RESCUED FROM THE BASE OF CLIFFS

A man is recovering this evening after being rescued from the base of cliffs near St Mary’s Island, north of Whitley Bay.

Humber Coastguard received a call from the North East Ambulance Service at 7.15 pm reporting that the man had fallen about 35 ft and was at the base of cliffs. Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade was sent to the scene, the Cullercoats Inshore RNLI Lifeboat was requested to launch and a rescue helicopter from RAF Boulmer was scrambled.

A lifeboatman swam to the casualty, assessed him and administered first aid. Meanwhile, the Volunteer Life Brigade set up its cliff gear at the top of the cliffs and a cliffman was lowered to the casualty, who was then stabilised ready for the helicopter to airlift him to hospital.

Katie Gellatly, Humber Coastguard Watch Officer says:

“The young man is now recovering is hospital having sustained some leg and elbow injuries. It seems that he was out walking, slipped and fell down the cliffs.

If you are out walking along cliffs make sure that you stay away from the edges – they can be crumbly or slippery when wet. Wear suitable clothing and sensible footwear, tell someone at home where you are going and when you expect to be back and take a method of communication with you. If you’re taking your dog out on cliff tops, keep it on a lead as dogs have a habit of chasing all sorts of wildlife over cliffs! Don’t attempt self rescues, whether people, dogs or other animals. In an emergency call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”


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