Overview

• HM Coastguard, police and paramedics launched a joint operation late on July 5 after reports of someone struggling 30 metres off Blackpool Central Pier.
• Strong waves swamped the Blackpool inshore lifeboat, throwing one crew member overboard and triggering a helicopter deployment for backup.
• A coastguard officer in water-rescue PPE entered the surf tethered to a colleague to reach and drag the casualty back to shore.
• The rescued individual was transferred to paramedic care in stable condition upon arrival at the beach.
• Four rescuers—three coastguard officers and one lifeboat crewmember—received treatment for water ingestion, mild hypothermia, exhaustion and a suspected sprained ankle, with two taken to hospital for further assessment.