A MULTI-AGENCY rescue mission saved a man who had been stuck overnight down by the old Alabaster Mine on Barrowmouth Common.
The Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team, with rope rescue capabilities, were deployed to rescue the young man after they had been informed by members of the public who heard shouts calling for help this morning (August, 17).
The man had sustained a fall the previous night and had no way of raising the alarm earlier due to lack of phone signal.
Upon the discovery of the man, whom his family had been looking for, whilst he was in need of assistance, there was no immediate medical concern or risk to life.
The rescue mission involved teams from Whitehaven and Maryport Coastguards and St Bees RNLI.
The man was taken to safety by boat.
A spokesperson from Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team said: "One team deployed to the quarry to assess the situation and deploy a Rope Rescue system if required, whilst a second team deployed to the old Marchon industrial site and deployed on foot with medical equipment and a stretcher to assess and stabilise the casualty. A request was made for Maryport Coastguard Rescue Team to also attend.
"Due to the heavy vegetation in the area this time of year, as well as the uneven terrain, Coastguard Rescue Officers made their way to the scene as quickly and as safely as possible.
"Meanwhile, our officer in charge who was coordinating from the clifftops above, was able to speak with the first informant and family member to glean more information. It soon came to light that the casualty had headed out to wild camp last night and having not returned home this morning the family were starting to become concerned.
"With Coastguards now on scene and able to assess the casualties condition and provide medical care, it became apparent that the casualty had sustained a fall last night and had no means to raise the alarm due to no phone reception in the area.
"Thankfully the individual had managed to seek shelter and raise the alarm in the morning with passing walkers in the area.
"After assessment, it was confirmed the individual had no medical issues, but due to having taken a fall on the steep overgrown terrain were seeking assistance to find a route out to get back to a place of safety.
"The team decided that due to the low water at the time and a sandy beach present at Saltom Bay, the safest form of extraction would be by boat.
"The OIC raise the request to the Coordinator Centre and St Bees RNLI launched and recovered both the casualty and our Coastguard Rescue Officers, along with our equipment.
"The individual in this case was well equipped for the activity they were undertaking. After having taken a fall they were able to seek refuge, then raise the alarm to allow them to be assisted out. Raising the alarm for help prevented the risk of any further falls or significant issues arising.
"As always, our thanks to the diligent first informant, and also our trusted colleagues of St Bees RNLI who as always were willing to launch and provide assistance," they said.
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