Man taken to hospital after sea rescue in Blackpool

Police and ambulance crews responded to reports of a person in the sea at around 2am, and HM Coastguard and RNLI were called to the scene to assist.

Fortunately, police officers brought the incident to a safe conclusion and the distressed man was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital by ambulance.

Lancashire Police said the man, aged in his 30s, has since been detained under the Mental Health Act.

A police spokesman said: "Around 2am today (Tuesday, January 5) officers searching for a missing man attended the Promenade in Blackpool.

"The man, aged in his 30s, had been found in the sea with police, the Coastguard, the National Police Air Service and ambulance crews at the scene.

"Around 3am the man was detained by officers under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act and was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital for treatment."

An ambulance service spokesman added: "We were called to Trafalgar Road at 2.04am and we’ve taken a man to hospital. One ambulance, an advanced paramedic and a response car all attended."

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) also deployed a helicopter to search the coast, whilst the RNLI launched one of its D-class lifeboats from its station on the Prom.

A HM Coastguard rescue officer also donned full water rescue gear and remained on standby to assist with the rescue mission.

An RNLI spokesman said: "Our RNLI volunteers were called out at 2am this morning to a person in the sea near Central Pier.

"One D class lifeboat launched and stood by while the person was helped to safety by Blackpool Police. HM Coastguard Lytham also attended."

Today (January 5), also marks 37 years since three Lancashire police constables died on duty whilst rescuing a man from the sea in Blackpool.

The three brave officers - Colin Morrison, Angela Bradley and Gordon Connolly - drowned whilst attempting to rescue a man, and each other, in 1983.

If you need someone to talk to, whatever you're going through, you can contact Samaritans any time, from any phone for free on 116 123.

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