Couple in river rescue drama

FIREFIGHTERS from Warrington were involved in a dramatic rescue from the River Mersey in the early hours of this morning.
A man and a woman were plucked from the river shortly after 4.30am after getting into difficulties while trying to rescue a dog.
Fire and rescue crews from Warrington and Knutsford were involved in the operation, using a boat, a special raft and ropes. They managed to pull the couple from the water, but there was no sign of the dog.
The couple, aged in their late 20s or early 30s, were treated by paramedics and went to hospital for a check-up but were not thought to be seriously harmed.
The drama started shortly after 4am when fire crews were alerted by a member of the public who had heard the sounds of someone in the rear near the Riverside Retail Park.
Two fire appliances from Warrington went to the scene, one approaching the river from the Knutsford Road side while the other went down Wharf Street.
The man and woman were seen in the water, clinging to concrete pillars near Knutsford Road.
A line rescue team from Knutsford arrived at the scene and secured the couple with ropes. Meanwhile, a two-man rescue sledge – a specially designed raft – crossed the river from Wharf Street and the couple were pulled aboard separately.
A firefighters at the scene said later: “Apparently either the man or the woman had entered the water to try and rescue the dog and then the other one went in to help. They both got into difficulties.
“It was quite near to Howley Weir and there a lot of strong currents there, and the river banks are very muddy.
“Our advice to people would be that they should never enter the water to try and rescue a pet. A dog would probably stand a better chance of rescuing itself, although in this case there was no sign of the dog.”

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