A large rescue operation was triggered in Salobreña after a man twisted his ankle near the Playa del Barranco de Safio yesterday.
The 62-year-old man and a companion were walking along the base of the cliffs to the small cove around 15.00h when he twisted his ankle and was unable to go on or back.
The rescue operation required fire-service personnel, a Guardia Civil helicopter and a mountain rescue team, as well as one of their rescue launches.
When the Guardia Civil patrol and fire vehicle arrived they realised that they couldn’t get him out without putting his life at risk. Neither could the launch get in close enough to pick him up because of the waves and wind.
Finally the Guardia Civil helicopter that had ferried the mountain-rescue team to the spot was able to winch him up to a waiting ambulance which took him to Hospital Santa Ana. The rescue operation concluded at 18.20h.
Editorial comment: does anybody else think that it was is a very large and costly rescue deployment just for a twisted ankle!
(News: Salobrena, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)
Hmm. Like the rock climbing types and high hill walkers. Paragliders, horse riders
!!. There is always a unlucky chance of injuries. In this case being unable to walk or get into a rescue boat. Does limit your options. A team with a stretcher or a carry chair. Could not be a safe option . Given the conditions. One slip. More injured persons. !!
But yes walking down there in such conditions is risky. Reverse Darwinism I guess.
Do they send you a bill for rescues? Someone told me that you can get insurance for this which you should have if walking in the mountains but I’ve not been able to verify this.
It was not a rescue operation for a twisted ankle, it was to save his life! But I wonder if he should be asked for a contribution to the cost? Given the weather and warnings which had been given, it was hardly a sensible choice for a walk.