Ballycotton RNLI rescue swimmer in difficulty two miles off Ballycotton Bay

The man was swimming when he got into difficulty and called for help. A member of the public heard his call for help and alerted Valentia Coast Guard immediately. The volunteer crew was requested to launch both their all-weather and inshore lifeboats and did so immediately in today’s mild weather conditions.

The inshore lifeboat was first to arrive on scene and was shortly followed by the all-weather lifeboat. The crew on board the inshore lifeboat recovered the casualty from the water and then transferred him to the all-weather lifeboat where he was medically assessed. A crew member on board then administered first aid and oxygen to the casualty.

Rescue 117 was also tasked and arrived on scene at approximately 3pm. A winch man was deployed from Rescue 117 and put on board the Ballycotton lifeboat. The casualty was assessed and then airlifted and transferred to Cork University Hospital. The casualty is said to be in a stable condition and is now recovering in CUH.

Speaking following the call out Ballycotton RNLI Coxswain Eolan Walsh said: ‘We would like to commend the member of the public who raised the alarm today as well as the immediate first aid action of the volunteer crew. Their quick thinking and actions ensured that there was a positive outcome today for this casualty. We would also like to wish him a speedy recovery’.


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For more information please contact Michelle Scanlon, Ballycotton RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press on 0863528919, email [email protected] or contact Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Ireland on 0876483547, email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Ireland on 0871254124 or 018900460 or email [email protected]

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The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

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