Daring surfers spark false alarm
The sight of two men in the rough sea just off the Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq Coast Road set off alarm bells in the mind of a passer-by who called for help in an attempt to save them from drowning.
Sure enough, the army’s search and rescue team headed to the area – only to find that thetwo men were actually surfers having a great time riding the waves.
A spokesman for the Armed Forces confirmed the “false alarm” after someone called for assistance.
A man who was photographing the crashing waves managed to capture the events.
“The rescue boat kept close for some minutes... The twomen were surfers living dangerously, as the waves were breaking on the rocks only a few metres from them,” Marcus Geiger said.
After about half-an-hour the rescue boat left, with the two surfers blissfully unaware, or aware but unconcerned about this drama, the photographer said.
Yesterday’s northwest force 6 winds whipped up huge waves across the coast.
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Jay Chapelle
Mar 6th 2011, 11:25
I would like to thank the AFM and Police for their vigilance yesterday, we had a great surf session but it's good to know that the services respond so quickly. It was one of those perfect conditions that we had to take advantage of. More info on www.wavesexpress.com.
matthew miceli demajo
Mar 6th 2011, 10:26
The 2 surfers in the pics are matthew miceli demajo and Jay Chapelle, the waves yesterday were fantastic and we had a super session at ghallis. Thanks to the AFM for being concerned and coming there to check out the scene....
Paul Barrett
Mar 6th 2011, 10:12
Better safe than sorry. Thankfully this was a false alarm but it could well have been a life saving event.