Rescue at sea

I would like to congratulate the AFM and the search and rescue squadrons for their efficiency and dedication shown towards those in need of their help. On Sunday, April 18, we were having a beer at our usual pub in Mellieha, right beside Ghadira Bay, when I noticed what looked like a paraglider or something similar struggling to swim ashore. From our position on land, he looked like he was trying to swim back ashore but, no matter how much he struggled, since the parachute was still open and catching wind, the wind kept pulling him out towards the open sea.

He was already some 300 metres out to sea from the bay when we noticed him. For a few minutes we sat there watching him and trying to figure out if the wind was dragging him out even further. And, in fact, it was. I decided to call the police on 112 since neither of us knew the search and rescue number. The policeman who answered the call took my name and number, thanked me and told me they would handle it.

Less than two minutes later I received a call from the AFM telling me they were on their way and that a patrol boat had just left Cirkewwa. As soon as they hung up, the police called me and told me that the Fire Brigade was on their way with the scuba team. Within the next four minutes, two fire engines, one of which was towing a dinghy, were on site, the patrol boat was just a few metres away from the paraglider and the AFM on the phone with me again asking me if there was the need of the helicopter which was ready to scramble if I (with the fireman's instruction) were to say yes.

Luckily, the man was just holding on to his paraglider and trying to take it easy, helping himself towards the shore; so he was just 60 metres away when the rescue team arrived, making it unnecessary to call the ambulance or take any more drastic measures to save him.

Later, when all was calm, I apologised to the rescue team for calling them for what I thought was a useless cry for help but they thanked me for doing so and told me it was the best thing to do in such a situation because it was better that they came and did not have to do anything rather than not having called them at all and left the person out there adrift in the water with the probability of more grievous consequences!

Thank you AFM and search and rescue.