Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
HERO PALS HELP SAVE MAN IN SINKING CAR
Motorist rescued after vehicle plunges into lough
TWO friends who helped a police team save the life of a driver in a sinking car have urged young people to step up in times of need.
James Nicholl and Jedd Hill jumped from their vehicles just before the PSNI arrived at the scene on Lough Neagh in Antrim in the early hours of yesterday.
The pals had spotted posts on Snapchat that a Volkswagen Golf had gone into the water and they both drove over to see what was going on.
Mr Nicholl, 21, said: “There were a number of young people standing about and someone had called the police but no one was doing anything to make sure there was no one in the car.
“Jed and I knew we had to get in the water to check and just then the police arrived and told us to get back.
“One of the officers walked into the water and managed to get a good look inside the car and he shouted, ‘Body’. I couldn’t stand back any longer. Jed and I just raced to help. Two other police had turned up then.
“The first two officers were trying to get the door of the car open but it was jammed shut, possibly with the pressure of the water.
“The other two officers stayed on dry land and radioed for back-up and asked for the fire service and an ambulance.
“The door seemed jammed shut so Jedd, who does a bit of boxing, gave it his attention and it opened and he leaned in and grabbed the fella.
“I was holding the door open with a female officer as it was being hit by the waves. I was shocked to see the young fella. He was rolled up in the foetal position on the front seat and he was freezing cold and totally silent at that point.”
He added a male officer helped Mr Hill, a 20-year-old engineer, to carry the victim to the shore.
Mr Nicholl said: “We were all soaked and very cold but he was in a really bad way. He seemed very shocked and I’m sure he must have had hypothermia. I could feel the cold coming off him.
“I’ve no idea how he got into that situation but it looked as though his car must have been parked at the ramp and got caught in a wave and pulled on to the rocks. Its bonnet was in the water and the car was getting buffeted about.”
Mr Nicholl, a joiner from Antrim, rang the town’s hospital yesterday morning and was told the man would be OK.
He added: “To be honest I think we witnessed a life being saved last night and we were glad to be a part of it.
“We don’t feel like heroes but we do want to say to people there’s a time and a place to step up.”
The PSNI confirmed the emergency services responded to the incident just before 12.30am yesterday at Lough Road.
Inspector Claire Gilbert said: “I commend the brave actions of these officers in ensuring the safety of the member of the public.
“The swift action of the police officers involved who, in treacherous conditions placed themselves at personal risk, were key to saving this man’s life.
“This is an excellent example of the commitment of officers in keeping people safe which resulted in a young man’s life being saved.”