Police helicopter crew save stranded angler in river Don

South Yorkshire Police’s Air Operations Unit received a call at approximately 7pm last night (Sunday, 30 September, 2012) from two fishermen, one of whom had become stranded in the river Don near to Wheatley Hall Road, Doncaster

The team set off immediately from their base in Sheffield and arrived at the location in minutes. Using the helicopter’s thermal imaging camera, the crew were able to locate the men who appeared to be in a great deal of distress.

Due to the secluded location, it was extremely difficult to direct officers on foot to the stranded pair so the crew took the decision to land close by.

The pilot and two observers left the helicopter taking a floatation device and safety harness usually used by the observers to help rescue the man. The angler in the river had now been stuck in the waist deep water for over an hour with his friend desperately hanging on to him to stop him being swept downriver. The crew were able to fasten the harness around the submerged man and drag him up the riverbank to safety.

Observer PC Gary Thomas stayed with the men while observer PC Zoe Jobling and pilot Matt Loosemore returned to the police helicopter so that they could direct paramedics and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue staff who were on route from the air. Once airborne the crew were able to direct their emergency services colleagues who treated the man before taking him home.