RNLI rescue man trapped under van

RNLI rescue man trapped under van

1 July 2020

VOLUNTEERS from Newcastle RNLI and the Coastguard went to the assistance of man who got his foot trapped under a van close to the town’s harbour last week. 

The incident was one of four the RNLI and other arms of the emergency services responded to in just over 24 hours.

The first emergency unfolded last Thursday morning, with RNLI members joined by volunteers from Newcastle and Kilkeel Coastguard.

Last week’s incident occurred when an attempt was being made to launch a boat using a  minibus.

When members of the emergency teams – who were assisted by the Fire and Rescue Service and PSNI — arrived, the man was able to free his foot, with Newcastle RNLI using a tractor to pull the minibus to the safety of a harbour slipway.

It is understood that the minibus became bogged down in sift sand as attempts were made to launch the boat. The rescue operation was co-ordinated by Belfast Coastguard.

Last week’s incident was one of four that Newcastle RNLI volunteers responded to in quick succession.

Just after 1.30am the following morning, RNLI crew members were alerted to reports about a possible missing swimmer at Newcastle harbour. 

An extensive search was subsequently carried out which involved Newcastle Coastguard, the PSNI and the Ambulance Service and with nothing untoward found, all units were stood down and returned to station.

Last Friday afternoon, shortly before 3pm, the RNLI’s station mechanic and a volunteer tractor driver where alerted by a member of the public to a young woman in nearby premises who was unwell.

They RNLI personnel discovered the woman unresponsive, providing her with care until paramedics arrived, subsequently taking her to hospital for investigation.

Around 4.20pm, the all-weather lifeboat went to the assistance of a 30ft yacht experiencing issues with its rudder while it was two miles off Annalong harbour.

The RNLI crew arrived on scene at 5pm and established a tow towards Kilkeel harbour but was met by a powerful southerly wind and moderate to rough seas.

Assistance from Kilkeel RNLI was requested on approach to the harbour due to the weather conditions to help the stricken vessel safely negotiate the pier, before the boat was secured alongside the marina. 

Members of Newcastle and Kilkeel Coastguard were also in attendance.