Engaged couple rescued from Irish clifftop by coast guard

Summarised from BBC Northern Ireland's report · Updated 30 Oct, 00:38 · Archive

A couple trapped by an incoming tide on an Irish beach were winched 150 metres up a cliff to safety by coast guard volunteers.

A couple who had recently become engaged were rescued by Irish Coast Guard volunteers after becoming trapped against a cliff on Achill Island, County Mayo, on Monday afternoon. The pair had gone for a walk along Keel Beach when the incoming tide began to rise behind them, eventually reaching above knee-level. Unable to return across the sand because of the towering cliff, they called 999 for help.

Coast Guard volunteer Peter McManamon, who coordinated the operation, said the weather conditions were severe. Gale-force winds, blowing Force 8 to 10, made it too rough for a rigid inflatable boat to be deployed, and a helicopter rescue was not possible. Rescuers instead abseiled down the steep cliff and hauled the couple approximately 150 metres to safety using ropes. McManamon described them as 'two very lucky people'. It is believed the couple are originally from overseas but live in Ireland.

Read the report

• Dramatic clifftop rescue of bride and groom-to-beA romantic walk after agreeing to tie the knot turns into a 150m rope rescue off the Irish coast.BBC Northern Ireland · 30 Oct, 00:02

In this story: Achill Island · County Mayo · Irish Coast Guard · Peter McManamon · Keel Beach

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