By Basant El-Faramawy
A newly engaged couple was rescued from a cliff on Achill Island off Ireland's west coast after being trapped by a rising tide during a celebratory walk on Keel Beach. The seven-hour operation unfolded in gale-force winds and rough seas that prevented standard rescue methods.
Trapped by Rising Tide
The couple had just become engaged and went for a walk along Keel Beach on Friday when the tide quickly cut them off from dry land, pinning them against a sheer rock face. They called the Irish Coast Guard for help, triggering a prolonged rescue effort.
Rescue Operation Battles Gale-Force Winds
Coast Guard volunteer Peter McManamon, who coordinated the operation, described the conditions as atrocious, with winds reaching Force 8 to 10. The stormy waters were too rough to deploy a rigid inflatable boat, and attempts to reach the pair on foot were abandoned due to dangerous waves. A Coast Guard helicopter was also unable to winch the couple to safety because strong down drafts off the cliff made the maneuver too risky.
Climbers from the Achill Island Coast Guard cliff rescue team then abseiled down the towering cliff to reach the couple, by then standing in knee-deep cold water. Rescuers brought the woman up first, then returned for her fiancé. Both were hauled 150 meters to the cliff top using ropes.
Couple Treated for Hypothermia
McManamon said the pair were very cold and hypothermia was beginning to set in. After reaching higher ground, they walked two kilometers over rough terrain to a waiting ambulance, where they were examined and released.
Volunteer Pay Dispute Background
The incident follows a Court of Appeal ruling that classified volunteer coastguard responders as workers, leading the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to announce changes to how the service operates. In June, the agency said it would have to alter its operations after the judgement upheld that responders are entitled to pay for emergency callouts.
