A late night mine rescue has seen an injured man being pulled from a ledge 30ft where he had been stuck for more than two hours.
While many of us slept last night (Saturday), the volunteers of the West Cornwall Search and Rescue (SAR) team were getting kitted up, after being called in to help by Devon and Cornwall Police.
It followed reports of a man being trapped in a mine shaft near Twelveheads, in the St Day area of Cornwall.
They were made aware that he had been unable to get out due to an on-going injury and had been stuck there for more than two hours.
His companion had managed to get out and raise the alarm.
On their arrival the West Cornwall SAR team members established that the man was positioned on a ledge around 30ft down a vertical shaft.
Tom Mather, technical rescue officer for West Cornwall Search and Rescue, said: "We set about clearing access and rigging up safety lines to establish contact with the casualty.
"Thankfully he was stable and talking, however, the conditions were cold with constant heavy showers.
"One of our mine rescue specialists was then lowered down approximately eight metres to them and a rope system was used to raise the casualty out of the shaft alongside our team member."
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While this was happening, team cas-carers (Mountain Rescue medics) were treating the trapped male's colleague, who had been suffering a medical episode from a pre-existing condition.
West Cornwall SAR's cas-carers and paramedics also checked over both of the casualties once they had been fully recovered and in a safe location.
Once warm, they were walked back to their vehicle.
After retrieving all of their kit, the team returned to base and sorted the equipment ready for the next call out.
Andy Brelsford , chair of West Cornwall SAR, said: "A successful outcome last night. Excellent work from all involved, I couldn't be prouder of everyone.
"It’s great to see how the countless hours of training comes together.
"Thanks also to our supporters - we rely on public donations to operate.
"All of our team members are volunteers. We’re available 24/7, 365 days of the year to assist the emergency services to search for missing, vulnerable and injured people across West Cornwall."
To support the team and leave a donation, visit its website https://westcornwallsar.co.uk/support-us/
West Cornwall Search and Rescue are members of Mountain Rescue England and Wales and the British Cave Rescue Council - BCRC.
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