Teenager saved after river drama

The fire service said the incident could have had a tragic ending

A rescue boat and two jet-skis helped save a teenager after he fell into Glasgow's River Clyde on Saturday.

Rescuers found the 16-year-old boy clinging by his fingertips to the side of a disused boat basin beside Govan Cross, where he had been playing.

Three appliances from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue were also dispatched, as was a helicopter, which was not required.

After the incident at 1815 BST, the boy was taken to the Southern General Hospital for a precautionary check-up.

Jim McNally, the Govan crew manager, said: "When we arrived at the incident, I saw that the young boy had managed to swim to the side of the basin and was literally clinging to the side by his fingertips.

Rescue line

"The crew managed to lower a rescue line down to the boy and then using the rescue line and a nearby fly ladder which was on the other side of the basin, rescued the boy and pulled him to safety."

Craig Shaw, of Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, said the incident could have had a more tragic ending.

"This incident highlights the danger of playing near the water's edge," he said.

"As most schools have started the summer term holiday, I would ask parents to ensure that whether or not their children can swim, they reinforce the dangers of playing near the water's edge."