Emergency services responded to a kayaker in distress at the River Dee near Llangollen, Denbighshire, on Saturday, July 4. The incident occurred close to the Chainbridge Hotel, a popular spot for whitewater paddling known for its challenging rapids and natural rock formations.
Multi-Agency Response
An ambulance, fire crews, and a mountain rescue team were dispatched to the scene. Emergency vehicles accessed the location via a towpath road on the adjacent Llangollen Canal, which is part of the area's World Heritage Site. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS), the Welsh Ambulance Service (WAS), and North East Wales Search and Rescue (NEWSAR) attended the incident.
The fire service took charge of the in-water rescue. Notably, the NWFRS water rescue team had recently won the UK Rescue Organisation's regional water challenge in South Yorkshire, as reported by North Wales Live.
Rescue Operation
A fire service water rescue team brought the casualty to the riverbank for treatment. Mountain rescue volunteers were placed on standby to assist with land recovery and extraction. A NEWSAR spokesperson explained: "Once the casualty had been brought safely to the riverbank, team members used a twin-tension rope system to safely raise the stretcher up the steep bank to the roadside. The casualty was handed over to the waiting land ambulance for onward treatment."
The spokesperson added: "This was another excellent example of effective multi-agency working, with all agencies working together to achieve the best possible outcome for the casualty. We wish the casualty a full and speedy recovery."
