Press Notice No: Duty Press Notice
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Posted 16:44 GMT

Shortly before 1400 this afternoon Brixham Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) received numerous 999 calls from members of the public with reports of a hang glider that had apparently made an uncontrolled descent into cliffs at Portwrinkle.

Brixham Coastguard tasked Tamar Coastguard Rescue Team, with Looe Coastguard Rescue Team as backup and Royal Navy Rescue Helicopter 193 from RNAS Culdrose to the scene.

The helicopter had been on an exercise nearby and was on scene within 15 minutes. The man was quickly located approximately 25 metres up the cliff above the beach and rocks. It was assessed that it was not safe to attempt a winch rescue operation as the male casualty was still attached to the hang glider.

Attempts were made to lower Coastguard Rescue Officers to the casualty from above but this was impossible due to thick gorse, vegetation and rugged terrain. It was decided that the only way to extract the man was to cut away his hang glider to allow the helicopter to winch him to safety. The helicopter then returned to collect a Coastguard Rescue Officer and Police Officer who had managed to reach the man.

The casualty was flown to Roborough Airport, Plymouth for onward transmission to Derriford Hospital for treatment.

Nick Ferguson, Duty Watch Manager, Brixham MRCC said:

This was a difficult rescue to effect due to the thick undergrowth and inhospitable nature of the surrounding cliffs. All involved at the scene should be praised for their efforts in such a demanding situation.




Posted By: Rosie Tapping

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401