Dramatic scenes as specialist swimmer is deployed to rescue woman from Lagan
A SPECIALIST swimmer was deployed as a woman was rescued from the banks of the River Lagan in what is believed to be a first in Northern Ireland.
Fire crews, the Coastguard, police, ambulance crews and the volunteer organisation Lagan Search & Rescue were called to help the woman — thought to be aged in her 60s — after she fell from the quay near Titanic Belfast just after midday on Saturday.
It is understood the woman suffered injuries to her head, arms and legs.
Lagan Search & Rescue (LSR) was on the scene within moments and specialist swimmer Tim Brown was deployed to provide assistance. The woman was then helped onto the boat before receiving medical attention in the nearby Belfast marina.
LSR is Belfast’s only water rescue charity and is run by volunteers. Phil Batt, a founding member of the service, said they have been pioneering the use of specialist swimmers in Northern Ireland.
“They are used only as a last resort, given the demanding nature of what they could face,” he said.
“A swimmer would go into the water when the casualty is in a difficult to reach area for a boat.
“They put their life on the line as they are out there on their own. It is demanding both mentally and physically for them, but they do take it all in their stride.
“And it has proved they are worth it, they make the difference.”
The organisation has three specialist rescue swimmers with another two coming through the ranks.
Phil added: “We have been pioneering the use of specialist swimmers in Northern Ireland. They have been used a lot by the US Navy.
“Saturday was the first time they have been used in Northern Ireland.”