They were rescued by air due to the unstable nature of the cliff face
Coastguard teams came to the aid of a “lost and disorientated” casualty from a cliff on the North Coast. On Friday night, April 17, at around 10.30pm, Coastguard teams were tasked to an incident near Hamilton’s Seat at the Giant’s Causeway.
They were called to the scene after a person became lost and disorientated at the base of a cliff that was around 100 metres high, in darkness and on difficult terrain. Due to the unstable nature of the cliff face, it was decided the safest option was to rescue the casualty by air.
A Coastguard helicopter from Sligo carried out a rescue in challenging conditions. At around 2.30am, the casualty was handed into the care of Coastguard rescue officers.
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A spokesperson for the Coastguard said: “Late last night, at approximately 10:30pm, Ballycastle Coastguard Rescue Team and Coleraine Coastguard team, alongside a Senior Coastal Operations Officer, were tasked to an incident near Hamilton’s Seat at the Giant’s Causeway.
“A casualty had become lost and disorientated at the base of a cliff estimated to be around 100 metres high, in darkness and on difficult terrain. The casualty initially had their phone with them and was able to contact friends, who raised the alarm to the Coastguard.
“A rope rescue technician was carefully lowered over the cliff edge in an attempt to establish the casualty’s exact location. However, due to the unstable nature of the cliff face, with loose rock and the added risks of working at night, it was decided the safest option was to recover the casualty by air.
“The Irish Coastguard helicopter from Sligo, which had also been tasked, carried out a winch rescue in challenging conditions. The casualty was successfully lifted and brought safely to the top of the cliff.
“At approximately 2.30 am, the casualty was handed into the care of Coastguard rescue officers. Thankfully, aside from being very cold, the casualty had sustained no further injuries , and they were later reunited with friends.
“If you find yourself in difficulty or distress along the coast, remember to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
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