The Middletown Fire Department conducted a rope and water rescue at Purgatory Chasm on Saturday after an individual was found in distress in the water near the chasm, according to a press release from Fire Chief Robert J. McCall.
At approximately 10:05 a.m., Middletown Fire and Police Dispatch began receiving 911 calls reporting the individual in the water. Given the location, conditions and complexity of the incident, a technical rope and marine response were immediately initiated, the release stated.
Middletown Fire Department units responded with Marine 1 and Marine 2, while Middletown Police arrived on scene to make initial voice contact with the victim. Recognizing the need for additional specialized resources and personnel, mutual aid was requested from the Newport Fire Department, Portsmouth Fire Department, Jamestown Fire Department and Naval Station Newport Fire Department.
During the operation, the department deployed a rescue swimmer from Marine 2 who entered the near-freezing water and swam into the chasm to reach the victim. The victim was secured and the rescue swimmer swam back to Marine 2, where care was initiated.
Marine 2 then transported the victim to a waiting Newport Fire Department rescue unit. The victim was taken to Newport Hospital Emergency Department with non-life-threatening injuries.
McCall commended all personnel involved in the response.
“Faced with less-than-ideal weather, water, and terrain conditions, firefighters and rescuers responded without hesitation, executed their assignments professionally, and brought the incident to a safe conclusion,” McCall said in the release.
The department reminded the public that coastal and cliff areas such as Purgatory Chasm are extremely dangerous, especially during winter conditions and changing tides. The public is urged to use caution and maintain a safe distance from the water and cliff edges.