Man, 85, rescued from River Weaver with help from Drone Unit
Thermal imaging camera on drone helps locate stranded man
An 85-year-old man was rescued from the River Weaver in Winsford with the assistance of Cheshire Constabulary’s Drone Unit.
Police received reports of a person in the River Weaver at 2.13pm on Tuesday, 16th December. Officers, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, and paramedics attended the scene to locate the individual in the fast-moving water.
PC Andrew Walker and PC Sarah Brockley from Cheshire Constabulary’s Drone Unit deployed a drone equipped with a thermal imaging camera to help locate the man.
The drone identified the man clinging to a tree in the river. This information was passed to firefighters, who brought the man to safety. He was then cared for by paramedics and remains in hospital as a precaution, though he has not sustained any serious injuries.
Inspector Paul Heatley of Northwich Local Policing Unit said:
“This was an urgent situation and officers immediately deployed to the scene. Due to the fast-flowing water, we needed eyes in the sky to be able to assess the exact location of the man.
“The Drone Unit’s help was absolutely vital in finding him and there is strong probability that their expertise saved his life.
“I would like to thank them for their assistance in this incident, as well as the officers who attended the scene and our colleagues from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service.”
Constable Andrew Walker from the Drone Unit said:
“Our unit uses modern drone technology to assist with many types of incidents in the force and as this particular incident demonstrates, it can be extremely useful in locating people when it’s difficult for those on the ground.
“The unit plays a vital role in supporting officers and staff, helping to keep the communities of Cheshire safe.
“We wish the man a speedy recovery after this ordeal.”