Seven members of HM Coastguard have received a special accolade, after a three-
On the evening of 3 June last year, the Coastguard received reports that a climber had fallen down cliffs at Bragar in Lewis.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Stornoway sent the Coastguard helicopter from Stornoway to the scene, alongside Bragar, Ness, Breasclete, Miavaig, Stornoway and Harris Coastguard Rescue Teams and Senior Coastal Operations Officers David Smith and Ronald Maclean.
It was quickly established that the casualty was badly hurt and wedged between cliffs and a sea stack, and could only be saved by rope rescue.
Rope technicians descended the cliff before manoeuvring the casualty on to a stretcher. The casualty was transported safely to the top of the cliff and then flown by helicopter to Western Isles Hospital.
Those involved with the difficult rescue operation received a Chief Coastguard Commendation this week.
Everyone involved in the mission received either the commendation or a letter of appreciation at a presentation event in Bragar Community Centre this week.
Commendations were awarded to Incident Commander and Coastal Officer David Smith, Edge Safety Operators Derek Smith and Norman Macdonald, Rope Rescue Technicians William Clark and Toby Reynolds, Officer in Charge Peadar Smith, and Rope Rescue Technician and Coastal Officer Ronald Maclean.
Murdo Macaulay, Coastal Operations Area Commander, said: “This was a highly technical and challenging rescue that tested the bravery and decision making of all involved. Thanks to that bravery and decision making, a life was saved.
“It makes me proud to work with such hard working and professional individuals, as we together continue upholding the values and objectives of HM Coastguard. I hope these commendations give those involved the recognition they deserve.”
The injured climber became wedged in a narrow gully following his fall down the sea cliff.
The huge rescue operation which stretched into darkness was described at the time as as ‘one of the most technically challenging’ ever in the Western Isles.
Given the hazards of the confined space it was too risky to attempt to lift the casualty by helicopter.
Coastguards used their rock-
Coastguard heroes hailed for daring rescue
22 March 2023
