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Officers praised after rescuing driver from car submerged in Lough Neagh, Antrim

A diver battles with the high winds and strong currents to attach chains to a sinking Volkswagon Golf on Lough Neagh. Picture by Justin Kernoghan/Photopress
A diver battles with the high winds and strong currents to attach chains to a sinking Volkswagon Golf on Lough Neagh. Picture by Justin Kernoghan/Photopress A diver battles with the high winds and strong currents to attach chains to a sinking Volkswagon Golf on Lough Neagh. Picture by Justin Kernoghan/Photopress
By Ed Carty

Police officers have been commended for their bravery after rescuing a man from a car after it entered Lough Neagh.

The vehicle was partially submerged and at risk of taking on more water and drifting further from shore when the officers arrived on the scene.

The man was unresponsive and was said to have been suffering hypothermia at the time.

Four PSNI officers went into the water, off Lough Road in Antrim, to rescue the man at around 12.30am yesterday.

There was no one else in the car.

The PSNI said weather conditions were poor, with high winds and rough water hampering the rescue effort.

Inspector Claire Gilbert praised the officers involved and said they were lifesavers.

 Four PSNI officers helped save the life of a man who was trapped in a car that had entered Lough Neagh. Picture by Justin Kernoghan.
 Four PSNI officers helped save the life of a man who was trapped in a car that had entered Lough Neagh. Picture by Justin Kernoghan.  Four PSNI officers helped save the life of a man who was trapped in a car that had entered Lough Neagh. Picture by Justin Kernoghan.

"The swift action of the police officers involved who, in treacherous conditions placed themselves at personal risk, were key to saving this man's life," she said.

"This is an excellent example of the commitment of officers in keeping people safe which resulted in a young man's life being saved last night".

The rescued man was taken to hospital for treatment.

In poor weather conditions with high winds and waters rough, the car had already taken in a substantial amount of water and was at risk of drifting further from the shore when PSNI officers arrived.Picture by Justin Kernoghan.
In poor weather conditions with high winds and waters rough, the car had already taken in a substantial amount of water and was at risk of drifting further from the shore when PSNI officers arrived.Picture by Justin Kernoghan. In poor weather conditions with high winds and waters rough, the car had already taken in a substantial amount of water and was at risk of drifting further from the shore when PSNI officers arrived.Picture by Justin Kernoghan.