Foyle Search and Rescue praised after person rescued from river, treated for cold water shock

The Derry river rescue charity deployed two boats and a jetski to the incident after being alerted by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

An individual was rescued from the water and treated for cold water shock.

SDLP MP Colum Eastwood on Friday praised Foyle Search and the PSNI for their “swift actions in rescuing the person from the River Foyle.”

The charity confirmed that shortly before 10 p.m. the PSNI had tasked its Emergency Response Teams to reports that a person had entered the water.

“Mobile, jetski, two boats and support team responded. FS&R crews arriving on the scene observed the PSNI had deployed a lifebuoy and the person was then rescued to boat, treated for cold water shock and transferred onward to hospital via the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS),” the charity said.

FS&R praised the emergency services and the city’s CCTV operators for their help in what proved a successful river rescue.

“Appreciation to the PSNI, NIAS, CCTV and all FS&R call signs for their quick response,” it said.

While the FS&R base is closed due to the COVID-19 emergency staff have continued to work from home and have diverted the normal contact number 02871313800 so that they are still able to take calls during office hours.

“If you call after 5.30pm for general enquiries please leave a voicemail with contact name and number and we will return your call the next day.

“If anyone needs to contact us in relation to an emergency after 5.30pm please contact 999 to report and our teams will be tasked,” the charity advised.

*The Lifeline helpline can be contacted for free on 08088088000, Samaritans can be contacted on Freephone 116123. Children can contact Childline on 08001111300

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