A Laxey cafe has thanked emergency crews for rescuing a young boy who became stuck on a cliff above a 39ft drop, by treating them to free gelato.

The Isle of Man Coastguard's Marine Operations Centre at the Sea Terminal received a 999 call at around 2pm.

The boy had managed to hold on to a gorse bush above the drop, which was around 39ft (12 metres).

The Coastguard Duty Officer and Douglas Coastguard Rescue Team were dispatched, arriving at the scene 14 minutes later.

After assessing how best to reach the boy, Coastguard personnel determined there was no immediate access from above and requested assistance from the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service's Laxey crew.

A ladder was considered the quickest and safest option given the time-critical nature of the situation.

Coastguard rescuers mount an operation to save the young boy
Coastguard rescuers mount an operation to save the young boy (Credit: Isle of Man Coastguard) (Isle of Man Coastguard)

While waiting for the firefighters to arrive, Coastguard personnel placed various items at the bottom of the cliff to provide some cushioning in case the boy fell.

The Laxey fire crew arrived shortly afterwards and worked with the Coastguard team to position a ladder against the cliff.

A firefighter then climbed the ladder and accompanied the boy back down to safety.

Following the successful rescue, The Shed took the opportunity to praise the emergency services, and provide some well-earned refreshments.

The popular cafe said it had received ‘a bit of a shock’ when it heard there was a ‘shout’ near its premises.

In a post on social media, The Shed wrote: ‘Massive well done to Isle of Man Coastguard & Laxey crew from Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service today in saving a young boy stuck at the top of the cliff near The Shed.

‘Teamwork at its finest!’

The cafe added: ‘Thankfully it's not every day you get a call from your (firefighter) son saying the crew were on their way to a “shout” at The Shed.

‘Squeaky bum time, not gonna lie.’

Coastguard and fire fighter crews enjoy a 'much needed' gelato after rescuing a boy from a cliff in Laxey (Photo: Billy Clegg)
Coastguard and fire fighter crews enjoy a 'much needed' gelato after rescuing a boy from a cliff in Laxey (Photo: Billy Clegg) (Billy Clegg/The Shed)

The post continued: ‘Just glad we weren't on fire and everything turned out well.’

The Shed said it was ‘very proud’ of the emergency services and thanked the crews for their work.

It ended with a simple gesture of appreciation, adding: ‘Hope u all enjoyed your well-deserved gelato.’

The Coastguard crew responded: ‘Thank you very much for your free hospitality, it was much needed once the boy was safe on what was a warm afternoon.’

The Coastguard also praised the response of those involved, thanking the Laxey Fire crew and Douglas Coastguard Rescue Team for their ‘quick, professional response’ and ‘excellent teamwork’ in safely resolving the incident.

Since the Coastguard crew posted about the rescue on Monday evening, it’s had an outpour of reaction from the Manx public.

One commenter said: ‘The island should be very proud of this service, a fantastic response time and saved a boy’s life, thank you for all that you do.’

Another simply added: ‘Brilliant, well done to all involved.’