This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-33209713

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Red Devils in Whitehaven Airshow mid-air parachute drama Red Devils in Whitehaven Airshow mid-air parachute drama
(1 day later)
A Red Devil parachutist had a lucky escape when his chute failed to open during an airshow - but a team-mate caught him in mid-air.A Red Devil parachutist had a lucky escape when his chute failed to open during an airshow - but a team-mate caught him in mid-air.
The Army freefall parachute display team was performing at the Whitehaven Air Show in Cumbria on Friday night when the parachute failed.The Army freefall parachute display team was performing at the Whitehaven Air Show in Cumbria on Friday night when the parachute failed.
Pictures on social media show the men coming down together and crashing into the harbour waters.Pictures on social media show the men coming down together and crashing into the harbour waters.
A message on the show's Facebook page said both were all right.A message on the show's Facebook page said both were all right.
It said: "We can confirm that the Red Devil parachutists are both safe and sound. For the first time in 25 years they had a parachute fail.It said: "We can confirm that the Red Devil parachutists are both safe and sound. For the first time in 25 years they had a parachute fail.
"One team member caught his team-mate and brought him into Queens Dock. Our safety procedures worked perfectly and a huge thank you to Whitehaven Marina for getting them out of the water so quickly.""One team member caught his team-mate and brought him into Queens Dock. Our safety procedures worked perfectly and a huge thank you to Whitehaven Marina for getting them out of the water so quickly."
Lucy Milne, who was watching the display, said: "It seemed to go on for ages and it's just seeing the panic of everyone around you and seeing it on the parachute guys as well - the panic.Lucy Milne, who was watching the display, said: "It seemed to go on for ages and it's just seeing the panic of everyone around you and seeing it on the parachute guys as well - the panic.
"And then all of a sudden he just started to go really quick and everyone was holding their breath and then all of a sudden they were in the water."And then all of a sudden he just started to go really quick and everyone was holding their breath and then all of a sudden they were in the water.
"Everyone was staring at the water for ages waiting for them both to pop up and then when eventually they did everyone clapped.""Everyone was staring at the water for ages waiting for them both to pop up and then when eventually they did everyone clapped."
Chief executive of the Whitehaven Festival Gerard Richardson said: "It has to be pointed out that the skill and cool thinking of both team members to then manage to steer to safety was incredible.Chief executive of the Whitehaven Festival Gerard Richardson said: "It has to be pointed out that the skill and cool thinking of both team members to then manage to steer to safety was incredible.
"It's a testament to the training and the skill of the British Forces and we are just happy that last night's drama had a happy ending."It's a testament to the training and the skill of the British Forces and we are just happy that last night's drama had a happy ending.
"Within ten minutes of landing the lads were tucking into pie and peas and a pint and there was an audible sigh of relief in the crowd when we were able to announce they were both safe." "Within 10 minutes of landing the lads were tucking into pie and peas and a pint and there was an audible sigh of relief in the crowd when we were able to announce they were both safe."
Gavin O'Reilly from Whitehaven, went to watch the display with his wife. Gavin O'Reilly from Whitehaven went to watch the display with his wife.
He said: "At first I didn't realise what was happening. I thought it was all part of the display.He said: "At first I didn't realise what was happening. I thought it was all part of the display.
"But then I noticed one of the parachutists frantically kicking their legs as they were approaching the water."But then I noticed one of the parachutists frantically kicking their legs as they were approaching the water.
"I was up on some headland, an area called Kell, where you can get a good view of the harbour.""I was up on some headland, an area called Kell, where you can get a good view of the harbour."
An Army spokesman said: "We can confirm that there was an incident during the Whitehaven Air Show, when a member of the Red Devils display team's parachute failed to open correctly.An Army spokesman said: "We can confirm that there was an incident during the Whitehaven Air Show, when a member of the Red Devils display team's parachute failed to open correctly.
"A team mate assisted in his safe landing, both men were unharmed, and we are now investigating to find out the cause of the incident." "A team-mate assisted in his safe landing, both men were unharmed, and we are now investigating to find out the cause of the incident."
Volunteer Dianne Richardson said: "To be honest, everybody thought they had been tangled up, but it was only afterwards that they found out that one of the guys managed to manoeuvre to safety.Volunteer Dianne Richardson said: "To be honest, everybody thought they had been tangled up, but it was only afterwards that they found out that one of the guys managed to manoeuvre to safety.
"There are a lot of masts in the harbour. The professionalism and skills just shows why they are the best in the world.""There are a lot of masts in the harbour. The professionalism and skills just shows why they are the best in the world."
The Red Devils formed in 1963 and carries out more than 60 displays every year.The Red Devils formed in 1963 and carries out more than 60 displays every year.
It currently comprises 12 serving soldiers from the three battalions of the Parachute Regiment, all of whom have to have at least three years experience. It currently comprises 12 serving soldiers from the three battalions of the Parachute Regiment, all of whom have to have at least three years' experience.
Spectator Liam Benson said it was "frightening" to watch: "The parachutists came out and you could clearly see quite early on that the parachute hadn't opened fully and his team mate kind of scrambling to interlock himself into the parachute to save him from falling... everybody was very very shocked at what was happening." Spectator Liam Benson said it was "frightening" to watch: "The parachutists came out and you could clearly see quite early on that the parachute hadn't opened fully and his team-mate kind of scrambling to interlock himself into the parachute to save him from falling... everybody was very very shocked at what was happening."
Are you in the area? Were you at the Whitehaven Airshow? You can share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.ukAre you in the area? Were you at the Whitehaven Airshow? You can share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
Please leave a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist.Please leave a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist.
You can WhatsApp us on +44 (0)7525 900971You can WhatsApp us on +44 (0)7525 900971