Castletownbere RNLI assists in a multi-agency rescue in the Dursey Sound

The lifeboat, under the command of Second Coxswain Paul Stevens, was launched within seven minutes and arrived on scene 35 minutes later. The casualty was located at the bottom of a cliff on a narrow ledge and suspected to be suffering from hypothermia.

Given the dangerous three to four-metre swell on the shoreline, the lifeboat was unable to launch its inflatable Y-boat. The Shannon based Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 115 was also on scene but unable to deploy a winchman given the adverse conditions. The lifeboat was able to provide the Coast Guard with details of the casualty's location through radio contact.

The local Castletownbere Coast Guard shore-based unit lowered one of its team down the rock face who was able to secure the casualty and both were brought up the cliff in a skilful manoeuvre. On receiving a medical assessment from ambulance crew, he was transferred to Tralee General Hospital by helicopter.

Ends

RNLI media contacts
For information contact Paul Stevens Castletownbere Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Paul Stevens tel: 086 6015110 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Media Relations tel: 087 1254 124 or email [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.