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Helicopter helps rescue Solway walkers

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By Joseph Gartly
Dumfries and West
Helicopter helps rescue Solway walkers

A RESCUE effort in up to 70mph winds on the Solway Coast has brought four walkers to safety.

Belfast Coastguard ran the operation which began at 6.30 pm yesterday, and which saw coastguard rescue teams from Portpatrick, Stranraer, Drummore and Ballantrae and a rescue helicopter from Prestwick battling strong winds and rain.
The Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre received a report from the Scottish Ambulance Service who were trying to locate a female with a severe leg injury in an area south of Portpatrick, along with three friends suffering from hypothermia.
Lights from a helicopter illuminated the scene, allowing coastguard rescue teams to take the casualties to a location where the aircraft could land.
The casualties were then flown to hospital to receive treatment.
A coastguard spokesman said: “The coastguard urges anyone planning a coastal walk to check weather conditions and make sure they are well equipped.”
They added: “We advise people to tell someone their planned route and what time they expected to get back.
“Anyone getting into trouble should call 999 immediately and ask for the coastguard.”

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