Policemen praised after Belfast Lough rescue
Two policemen were praised today for their bravery after swimming into a lagoon during the night to rescue a young man and a girl.
The part-time officers were called to the scene at Belfast Lough, Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, last night when a 20-year-old man was spotted in the water.
When they arrived shortly after 11pm, a 17-year-old girl had also jumped into the sea close to Marine Highway to try to rescue the man. Both police officers swam out more than 15 feet from the shore, while carrying life buoys, and managed to pull the pair to safety. All four were taken to hospital by ambulance as precautionary measure.
Duty Inspector Alexander Johnston praised his officers.
“This was great work by local part time response officers, whose courage and quick thinking allowed these two young people to be brought speedily to safety,” he said.
“This rescue is made all the more remarkable when we consider these officers entered the water at night, swimming more than 15 feet in darkness to reach this young man and woman.
“I would pay tribute to their considerable bravery.”
