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.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.
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."
"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."
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 nights 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."
"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."
The Red Devils formed in 1963 and carries out more than 60 displays every year, according to its website.
It currently comprises of 12 serving soldiers from the three battalions of the Parachute Regiment, all of whom have to have at least three years experience.
