Girl rescued from River Forth in 45-minute ordeal

By KIRSTEN JOHNSON
Published on 06/02/2013 00:37

A 17-YEAR-old girl had to be rescued from the fast-flowing River Forth in Stirling last night.

The teenager was rushed to Forth Valley Hospital in Larbert after fire crews launched a rescue boat to retrieve her from the freezing waters.

It is believed she fell from the Old Stirling Bridge.

She was rescued from the river, which was in full spate, at around 4:45pm, 45 minutes after she was first spotted.

Central Scotland Police attended the scene shortly after 4pm, following reports that someone was in the water.

Officers threw the stricken girl a life ring attached to a line to drag her to safety, but their 
efforts were aided by fire crews in dry suits who arrived a few minutes later.

Witnesses described hearing police officers shouting to the girl to try to reassure her while attempts to rescue her were 
taking place.

Central Scotland Fire and Rescue group manager Gordon Pryde, who led the rescue operation, said: “I want to praise all involved for ensuring the safe rescue of the girl.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Ambulance Service said the girl was assessed by paramedics at the scene and was “conscious and breathing”.

She was taken to hospital 
for further assessment and treatment, where she remained last night.