Cliff fall victim throws party for heroic rescuers

"The efficiency and effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Malta Air Squadron Search and Rescue team, among others was what saved my life," 31-year-old Dennis Van Asch told MaltaToday, just over a month after a brush with death.

The Dutchman was in critical condition after having fallen off a cliff at Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, landing on the rocks close to the sea below the tower, sustaining grievous injuries to the head.

Van Asch was at a BBQ organised by CouchSurfing with a group of Maltese and Dutch friends and the next thing he knew, "I was at Mater Dei Hospital... without some barbecued chicken of course!"

Rescuers were called to the scene but had a difficult time finding and reaching him in pitch darkness. The man, a resident of Marsascala, was eventually given first-aid on site by a Mater Dei medical team and Civil Protection rescuers, but conditions requested the intervention of the AFM's Air Squadron SAR team to seal the rescue. He was later airlifted to safety and taken to Mater Dei Hospital by means of an AFM helicopter.

After his ordeal, MaltaToday contacted Van Asch and asked him if he would still be alive hadn't it been for the intervention of the rescuers.

"Most notably my family, all the professional personnel involved (referring to them as the 'Dream Rescue Team'), and definitely my super colleagues, and my friends in Holland have all contributed to where I am today," Van Asch told MaltaToday.

A positive Van Asch added: "It may sound a bit strange but as far as I know we can take pictures of Jupiter, have people orbit the earth for months, clone sheep, eat dairy in a solid state (frozen yoghurt) but the effect of positive messages and tributes have on a hospitalised person... I am now convinced, works wonders.

"Against all odds, I am still here."

Unsung heroes

Many a time rescuers have to risk life and limb to conduct difficult rescue operations, same as the Dutchman's rescue required, their bravery hardly ever recognised.

"It takes a lot of courage to risk one's life to save another, they are great persons with big hearts," Van Asch said of his rescuers.

Mater Dei staff also did a great job, according to him, adding "especialIy with the hard time I gave hospital staff, loudly screaming for pizza and asking the nurses out for a beer. At some point it also boils down to you... the strength within is also powerful, you must fight and never give up. I wish the Dutch national team had that attitude in the final against Spain!"

Still filled with the joy and gratitude for the rescuers who saved his life and all those involved, Van Asch threw a party.

On arriving at the party in full uniform to celebrate the new lease of life they gave the Dutchman, AFM personnel were welcomed with rounds of applause and numerous standing ovations. The rescue team comprised two members of the Italian Rescue Military Mission and three AFM members.

Radio Netherlands worldwide had also given a harrowing account of the incident the night of the rescue.