Steeplejack Rescue - Grangemouth

In 1993, IRC were asked to help with the rescue of a steeplejack in Grangemouth. This rescue involved personnel from BP, Police, Fire Service, Ambulance, IRC and the Royal Navy.

The power station chimney

Approximately half way to the top of the chimney. Willie McMartin
The Casualty and his work mate are clearly seen as a Fireman joins them near the top of the chimney (height approx 200ft, 65M).

The navy helicopter is overhead. Down wash is a problem as the ladder is not totally secured to the chimney
The base of the chimney as Willie McMartin starts to climb
HeraldScotland WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE 1993

A Steeplejack was airlifted from 200ft up a chimney at BP’s Grangemouth oil refinery after being taken ill last night. The steeplejack was working on a power station chimney at the oil plant when he was taken ill.

Two other steeplejacks failed to rescue the man and fire engines were called.

Because of the height, a helicopter rescue team was called out from HMS Gannet at Prestwick.

A winchman suspended from the helicopter swung between the huge chimneys as he attempted to rescue the stricken man, who was set down in playing fields across the road from the plant, where ambulancemen fought vainly to save his life.

He was taken to Falkirk Royal Infirmary but was found to be dead on arrival.

The navy helicopter is overhead. Down wash is a problem as the ladder is not totally secured to the chimney. The Casualty and his work mate are clearly seen as the winch man is lowered on the opposite side and then pulled over.
The winch man takes the weight of the casualty and his workmate starts to descend out of the downwash.
The navy helicopter is overhead. The winch man takes the weight of the casualty and his workmate and a fire fighter starts to descend out of the downwash.

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