By FRANCIS JOSEPH
Three sea bathers and two others who went to assist found themselves in difficulty at Blanchisseuse on Saturday.
But the quick action of two soldiers assisted in bringing five persons safely to shore after they encountered difficulty in the waters off Blanchisseuse Beach.
Around 4 pm on Saturday, the two soldiers from the First Infantry Battalion, were carrying out a routine patrol in the vicinity of the Blanchisseuse Community Centre, when they noticed two children and an adult man struggling in the water.
Recognizing that the persons were in distress, the Sergeant on patrol immediately sought assistance from the operator of a nearby resort and obtained a life ring. He remained on the shoreline, securing and managing the rescue rope, while a Lance Corporal, the patrol medic, entered the water and made his way towards the family.
The Lance Corporal was able to get the life ring to the three persons, while the Sergeant assisted from shore in bringing them back towards the shore. While this was being done, another man and woman, who entered the water in an effort to assist, soon found themselves in difficulty as well. The soldiers quickly responded to the developing situation and were able to safely assist both individuals back to shore.
Once all five persons were out of the water, the medic assessed them and found them to be in good health, with no immediate medical concerns.
According to the Regiment, “the actions of the Sergeant and Lance Corporal, reflect the alertness, initiative and sense of duty expected of members of the Regiment. What began as a routine patrol quickly became a situation requiring immediate action, and their coordinated response helped ensure that all five civilians returned safely to shore.
“The Trinidad and Tobago Regiment remains committed to supporting the safety and security of the communities in which its personnel operate.
“The Trinidad and Tobago Regiment also takes this opportunity to remind members of the public to exercise caution when entering the sea, to remain mindful of prevailing water conditions and, where possible, to seek appropriate assistance rather than placing themselves at additional risk when attempting a rescue.”
All’s well that ends well!
