Major search and rescue mission in Blackpool after man swept out to sea with rescuers thrown overboard
Cops and paramedics raced to the scene close to the Central Pier in Blackpool on Friday following reports of a member of the public having difficulty in the water.
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Cops and paramedics launched a rescue operation after a member of the public was seen struggling in the water
Four members of the rescue team suffered injuries during the brave rescue.
A helicopter was dispatched after a wave slammed a boat and threw one of the crew members backwards.
One of the crew members then said they saw a member of the public "struggling with the waves" around 30 metres out at sea.
"It was windy with significant and strong waves," a statement issued today by the coastguard said.
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"We'd had a report of a possible sighting just off Central Pier so the Blackpool ILB launched and we sent rescuers from our team and Lytham down to the surfline to support.
"It was an extremely challenging launch for the boat crew and the boat got hit by several big waves, one of which swamped the boat throwing one of the crew members backwards the full length into the helmsman causing injury and requiring an immediate abort of the operation and a recovery of the ILB.
"One team of Coastguards on the beach continued to search South and another searched North. Within a few minutes the North team issued an immediate call on the radio to state the casualty had been spotted struggling in the waves about 30m out.
"Already equipped with water rescue personal protective equipment one of our coastguard rescue officers entered the water tethered to another to effect an immediate rescue.
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"It was an extremely challenging push to reach the casualty he had to push and swim through the same waves that had just hindered the inshore lifeboat and chase the casualty, who was at the mercy of the tidal currents."
The statement continued: "The injured lifeboat crewmember was already receiving care in another ambulance.
"The three Coastguards who had entered the water were suffering from water ingestion, mild hypothermia, exhaustion and one suspected sprained/broken ankle.
"They were taken into the boathouse to recover and receive assessment from paramedics.
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"It was determined that two would need to go to hospital, as well as the lifeboat crewman, for further assessment."
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