Firefighters swam into the River Irwell as they rescued a person from the water. Emergency services descended onto the waterfront at Ordsall, Salford, at around 8pm this evening (February 15) following reports of a person falling into the river.
Police, paramedics and firefighters were all called out to attend the incident, and a helicopter was seen above the area. Crews entered the water to pull the person to safety, before they received medical assistance at the scene.
They were then rushed to hospital by ambulance following the rescue. The incident unfolded outside the Dock5 apartments, on Ordsall Lane, where neighbours watched on from their balconies and windows above.
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One resident told the Manchester Evening News: “I got a message saying there’s someone in the water. I looked out from my balcony and there was someone – you could only see half their head above the water.
“They were literally bang in the middle of the River Irwell. I looked down and I could see the fire and rescue service trying to throw floats to them, and they were not grabbing them.
“Two people from fire and rescue swam out to grab them. It wasn’t like they were fighting it but it was difficult to get them in. [The firefighters] shouted to the balconies ‘have you got any blankets’ and we threw whatever we could down.”
The eyewitness added: “The fire and rescue service were there in seven minutes [after being called], straight away trying to get to them. It was an unbelievable save – firefighters, police and paramedics were there.”
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “At shortly before 8pm today (Thursday, February 15), fire crews were called to Woden Street, in Salford following reports of a person in the water. Working alongside Greater Manchester Police, two fire engines from Salford fire station along with the Technical Response Unit from Ashton and the Water Incident Unit from Heywood quickly attended the scene.
“Crews worked to assist the person from the water before they were assessed by North West Ambulance Service and conveyed to hospital. Firefighters were in attendance for approximately one hour”.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
