Man run over by digger track rescued from Fermanagh island

Sligo Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter Rescue 118 was also requested to attend.

A man was successfully rescued from an island in Upper Lough Erne after he was run over by the track of a digger.

The multi-agency operation was launched last Monday evening, August 29, on an island around one mile north-west of the Share Discovery Village, near Lisnaskea.

At 9.40pm, Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched at the request of Belfast Coastguard, to assist a man who had been run over by the track of a digger.

Prior to the lifeboat leaving the station and following further information on the casualty’s well-being, Sligo Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter Rescue 118 was also requested to attend.

“The volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat proceeded to the island and swiftly located the casualty with the assistance of a member of the public. The crew assessed the man and found he had sustained lower leg injuries. Casualty care treatment was provided by the crew until the arrival of the helicopter,” report Carrybridge RNLI.

After further treatment it was decided that an airlift to hospital was the best course of action.

The casualty was placed in a stretcher and carried over several hundred meters over rough terrain to the landing site of the helicopter. The man was placed onboard and a further assessment was carried out prior to the departure of the helicopter.

Speaking following the call out, Stephen Scott, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Carrybridge RNLI said: “We were happy to be able to assist this casualty. The person made the correct decision to swiftly call for help and the multiagency coordination which followed worked exactly as is practiced for in these situations. We would wish the gentleman a speedy recovery from his injuries. If you see someone or something in trouble on the water or are in difficulties yourself the number to dial is: 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”