Published: Tuesday, 9th March, 2010 12:10pm

Man rescued from Tweed

Comments (1) | Print | Email

A MAN was rescued from the River Tweed in Peebles on Saturday after collapsing into the water at Neidpath.

Emergency services raced to the scene after the 47-year-old was dragged to safety by two walkers - a mile south of the viaduct.

Fortunately, the Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team (TVMRT) were on the scene in minutes as they were taking part in a search and rescue exercise at Bowhill Estate.

A total of 10 team members were quickly dispatched with medical equipment to assist the Police and Scottish Ambulance Service and rendezvous with the RAF Rescue helicopter from RAF Boulmer who were also mobilised to the scene.

The man was airlifted to the BGH suffering from chest and head injuries and had become hypothermic due to cold water immersion and the sub zero temperatures.

Chris Chapman TVMRT team leader said: "The gentleman was very lucky to have been spotted floating down the river by two walkers, who dragged him out to safety.

"The Tweed was in spate and very cold due to thawing snow cover on high ground, and severe hypothermia would be a serious concern had the gentleman spent much longer in the water."

TVMRT were also called out to search for a missing male near Romanno Bridge on Sunday evening at 8pm, who turned up safely a few minutes after the team started to mobilise with 18 members, three vehicles and two search and rescue dogs.