This is how members of Whitehaven and Maryport Coastguard Rescue Teams feel after a recent tricky rescue at Fleswick Bay sparked a message of thanks from the walker’s family.
Laura was walking the coastal path at St Bee’s Head with husband Graham, dad Keith and mum Pat when she slipped on the rocks on the way down to the beach, injuring her ankle.
In pain and unable to walk, the family called 999. Whitehaven and Maryport rescue teams were sent, alongside St Bees RNLI lifeboat.
Teams quickly established that Laura’s leg was badly broken and that extraction would be difficult, and the Coastguard helicopter from Prestwick was summoned.
Laura was able to be winched to the helicopter and transferred to hospital by the crew.
Dad Keith said: “I want to thank the crew that responded to my daughter Laura’s accident at Fleswick Bay. We subsequently discovered that she had dislocated her ankle and broke her leg; the injury required an operation to pin the ankle and set the break.
“The coastguard staff along with the RNLI crew who attended responded quickly, were extremely professional, efficient, caring and humble.
“I am a retired policeman and before that I was a firefighter, so I understand how to deal with such trauma, but when it is someone you love it is heartbreaking. It was an immense relief to handover the care of my daughter to such a brilliant team.
“Our whole family and Laura herself appreciate the effort and support of the coastguard crews.”
Sarah Atkinson, HM Coastguard senior coastal operations officer for northwest England, said: "It means a lot to us all when someone takes the time to send us a note of thanks - we do not volunteer for gratitude, but it is appreciated.
"It was a difficult rescue for the teams, Laura was in a lot of pain and it was clear it was a bad break in a hard to access part of the coastal path, so the helicopter was the best option.
"We are pleased to hear that Laura is on the mend, and hope that she will be able to be back out walking soon."
Stay Safety Savvy – it’s our preference, make it yours
We’re always on call to send help to people in difficulties but please keep ‘safety savvy’ at the coasts so you can help avoid the need to call for our rescue teams and fellow emergency services.
- Always check weather and tides before setting out. Leave yourself plenty of time to get back
- Don’t take unnecessary risks
- Stay well back from cliff edges, they can be crumbly and slippery when wet & easily give way
- Observe all local safety notices
- Always keep your dog on a lead
- Don’t risk yourself if your dog is in trouble on the coast or in the sea. They often get themselves to safety, some owners don’t.
If you see anyone in difficulties around our coasts, please don’t delay, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. We’re on call to send expert help 24/7.
