RESCUE DRAMA

MEMBERS of the emergency services risked their lives yesterday to rescue a fisherman, injured and trapped some 100 metres down a cliff, where he was being lashed by high waves and the rough sea. The alarm was raised shortly after 6.30 am yesterday by two other fishermen accompanying Antonio.
Despite the poor weather conditions, heavy rain and rough seas, the three men headed for a day's fishing Dorado at an infamous “black spot,” at the foot of the cliffs along the coast between Punta Negra and Sant Elm, near Andratx. But no sooner had the three men reached the foot of the cliff, some 100 metres down, than Antonio was hit by a wave, lost his balance and fell into the sea, trapping and injuring a leg. Battling high waves and the strong swell, his two companions managed to get him back on to the rock and out of the water, but there was no way they could carry him back up the cliff. They headed off to raise the alarm.
Andratx Local Police rushed to the scene and immediately alerted the air sea rescue services, the Guardia Civil, Soller fire fighters and paramedics.
Both the Guardia Civil and the air sea rescue service sent helicopters to the scene and three air sea rescuers were lowered down on to the rocks.
Guardia Civil mountain rescue officers absailed down the cliff to join them, while a team of paramedics and fire fighters climbed down the cliff path.
Paramedics stabilised the victim, making him and his leg as comfortable as possible before carrying him up the cliff, away from the waves and to a safe area, down to which a stretcher could be lowered from the air sea rescue helicopter.

The victim was finally rushed to hospital at around 10.30am.
Some 20 rescue experts participated in the successful but highly dangerous operation and last night emergency service bosses praised all those involved for their bravery and professionalism. The scene of the accident has claimed many fishermen's lives in the past.
Some six years ago, two brothers fishing from the rocks, disappeared and were never seen again while there has been a spate of accidents in the area.
Rescue workers said that yesterday was no day for fishing, especially in precarious areas such as the rocks at the foot of the Punta Negra cliffs.
The victim was said by doctors to have been in a comfortable condition last night, although all of the three fellow anglers had been shaken-up by their ordeal.