WIREDGOV

Drunk 17 year old 'tombstones' from Plymouth Hoe – straight into hospital

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 30 June 2010

At 7.30 this evening, Brixham Coastguard were alerted to a 17 year old in a poor way who had been ‘tombstoning’ from Plymouth Hoe, just near the yacht club by the citadel.

He had hurt his chest, so the first informant told the Coastguard, and he was on the rocks after jumping from the wall above. He was accompanied by a group of others of a similar age.

The Plymouth Coastguard Rescue Team and RNLI inshore lifeboat was immediately asked to turn out and an ambulance was called.

The Harbour authorities at the Longroom were informed and they also began to look for vessels in the immediate area to lend assistance. The MoD vessel 'Integrity' was tasked to the area along with a fireboat which stood off. The local Police were also informed.

Shortly after the Coastguard was informed that the casualty was on the pavement dressed in just pants and a t shirt and appeared dazed and slurring. Shortly afterwards the ambulance arrived and with Coastguard assistance the local lad was taken to the accident and emergency room at Derriford hospital on a spinal board.

The Coastguard Team remained in the area and talked to the remaining youngsters who despite seeing their friend being loaded into an ambulance in a prone position on a spinal board chose not to heed any safety advice and went to seek another area of wall nearer the Barbican from which to jump into the sea below.

Mark Satchell, Brixham Coastguard Watch Manager said
"What can you say? The very efficient A&E staff at Derriford hospital have now told us that the injured lad has now been taken to have a computed tomography (CT) scan and that he had been drinking alcohol during the afternoon. No open wounds were reported and we are awaiting the hospitals verdict on any internal injuries.

"We all know that alcohol impairs judgement, but to jump into the unknown whilst under the influence of drink is just madness squared. If you want to jump from a high board into water use a swimming pool. It’s safer."

Notes to Editors

• The MCA is a partner in the Sea Vision UK campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the sea and maritime activities. Sea Vision promotes the importance and economic value of the sector and works to highlight the exciting range of activities and career opportunities available to young people within the UK growing maritime sector. www.seavisionuk.org

• • Stay safe - before heading out on the water get trained, check weather and tides, wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol and keep in touch

• Follow us on Twitter. Find us at MCA_media

Contacts:

Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office
Phone: 023 8032 9401
NDS.MCGA@coi.gsi.gov.uk

Mark Clark.
Phone: 023 8032 9414
Mobile: 07711 002678
mark.clark@mcga.gov.uk