A nurse saved a man’s life by holding onto his wrists after he fell out of his seat during a 26-meter ride.
The man, a man in his 50s with learning difficulties, was on the Black Pearl pirate boat at Lightwater Valley theme park near Ripon when the incident occurred.
See also: Passengers dangle on Alton Towers rollercoaster
See also: Eight people get stuck on a 30-meter-high roller coaster
The attraction rotates in circles, and when it was turned upside down at the highest point of its loop at a height of 26 meters, the man’s safety bar opened and he fell out.
According to the Northern Echo, 28-year-old nurse Paul Marshall managed to grab him by both wrists and hold on to him.
The screams of the other drivers alerted the driver, who brought the vehicle to the ground.
Speaking to Richmondshire Today, Paul said: “It was absolutely horrific – he jumped completely out of his seat.
“He was hanging there and I was holding him all by myself. I don’t know how long it lasted, but it felt like an eternity.
“There was a school class on the journey and everyone was screaming. It fell on an eleven-year-old girl and she had an asthma attack.
“Everyone was screaming and the staff stopped the ride. The young man who was driving the ride was shaking when we got off.”
A Lightwater spokesman said: “We can confirm that an incident occurred on 14 July.
“
A full investigation has been carried out and visitors can be assured that their safety is always of utmost importance to us.”
The Lightwater Valley website states that the Black Pearl “forms the centrepiece of our famous pirate area, Skeleton Cove, and is unusual among modern pirate ships in that it can rotate 360 degrees.”
It continues: “The Black Pearl offers breathtaking views of the park (for those brave enough to keep their eyes open) and a unique driving experience.”
“This 26-metre-high attraction is visible from most areas of the park and is one of the few rides in Lightwater Valley that actually turns you completely upside down.
“Bearing more than a passing resemblance to a traditional pirate ship, this ship-shaped ride swings back and forth, not in the traditional way with a set of tires underneath the boat, but with a huge, powerful motor on top of the center arm.”
Similar video:
