Rescuers stranded in Tyrone revcovery operation

Fire Service specialists rescued a seriously injured man from a river in Co Tyrone today after initial attempts to reach the …

Fire Service specialists rescued a seriously injured man from a river in Co Tyrone today after initial attempts to reach the man left resuers stranded.

A member of the public, a police officer and two paramedics who were stranded after trying to reach the victim were also brought safety.

The team used inflatable boats and line rescue equipment during the dramatic early morning operation on the Ballinderry River, Cookstown.

Officers involved faced greater difficulties because the others who launched failed attempts to get to the man were trapped by a high bank.

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Chris Kerr of the Fire and Rescue Service told BBC Radio Ulster : "The access to the river was by a very steep embankment with uneven ground and loose boulders which were falling down into the water.

"The casualty himself had landed in the water.

"We deployed our water rescue team, using an inflatable boat, and our rope access teams down the steep incline. Working together they were able to remove the casualty."