Alan Chambers, Ulster Unionist MLA for North Down, has praised the actions of North Down Borough Council worker, Mark Pollack and the local RNLI for their actions in saving the life of a man in Ballyholme Bay this morning.
Alan Chambers MLA said:
“The actions of Ards and North Down Borough Council worker, Mark Pollack, in raising the alarm about a person floundering in the sea in Ballyholme Bay, Bangor this morning, undoubtedly helped to save the life of the man in the cold waters of the Bay.
“Mark, once he realised that it was a person in distress calling for help, did the correct thing in immediately alerting the coastguards who tasked the launch of the volunteer RNLI inshore rescue craft from its base at Bangor Marina. The prompt response of the volunteer crew, and the selfless action of a crew member entering the water to help retrieve the man onto the rescue vessel, ensured the man's swift transfer into the care of the paramedics back at the marina. In terms of the rescue it was a text book example of the training the RNLI volunteers constantly undertake.
“Given the extremely low early morning air and water temperature, any delay could have turned the operation into a recovery situation rather than a rescue.
“We are very privileged, and grateful, to have a RNLI rescue craft based in Bangor and once again it has proved its worth in saving a life. Both Mark and the crew are to be commended for their actions in dealing with a situation that could easily have ended in a tragedy rather than a rescue.”