Man, 87, rescued from Bala lake

Aug 4 2008

AN 87-YEAR-OLD man who tumbled from a boat into Bala lake yesterday clung to the side of the vessel in cold waters for about an hour before he was rescued.

The pensioner fell when he tried to climb from his yacht into a smaller vessel.

He was unable to pull himself aboard and had to hold on and wait for help.

Eventually, an onlooker spotted the man’s hand grasping onto the smaller vessel and raised the alarm.

One eyewitness said: “It was a really dramatic rescue. Bala Sailing Club members raced out in their emergency boat.

“They sped up to the man, pulled him aboard and whizzed back to shore with him.

“He was very weak and looked as though he was unconscious, but the three rescuers put him straight in a hot shower.”

She added: “It really was amazing to watch, the crew were so professional and knew what they were doing.

“The man had been in the water for at least an hour and looked like he was near death. Any longer and I am sure he wouldn’t have made it.

“It is a good job the man spotted him when he did.”

Trained rescuers from the club launched their rigid inflatable boat to save the man.

Last night, club commodore Dave Eccles said: “Our members are trained to deal with emergencies such as this and we have a number of safety boats on the water.

“The man who tumbled out of his tender hadn’t made his presence known to anyone, so it is unknown exactly how long he was in the water.

“It was a real team effort and I am proud of everyone involved in the rescue.”

The elderly man was last night still being treated in Wrexham Maelor Hospital for the effects of hypothermia.