Arklow RNLI launch to assist in multi-agency rescue near Courtown Harbour

Arklow's all-weather lifeboat proceeded to the scene approximately one mile east of Ardamine Beach, South of Courtown Harbour to assist Courtown Lifeboat and Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 117 in an already active rescue.

Once on scene Arklow's lifeboat and her volunteer crew assisted the Courtown volunteers, who were already in the water dealing with a casualty who had fallen from an inflatable which was being towed by a jet ski, the casualty had suspected spinal injuries.

To enable the rescue helicopter conduct an airlift safely, Arklow's lifeboat proceeded to clear the area of other vessels and other leisure craft which had put to sea from Courtown and various locations to try assist with rescue, following this Arklow's lifeboat took aboard three further casualties which had put to sea to try assist In the rescue but had ended up adrift.

Once the helicopter and Courtown crew had completed the airlift of the two casualties from the water, Arklow RNLI proceeded to Courtown Harbour; the casualties were transferred to Courtown lifeboat and brought ashore in Courtown safely.

Arklow RNLI then returned to sea to locate a vessel that had been of assistance during the rescue, the vessel was located.

Following the incident, Mark Corcoran, Arklow RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: 'Thanks to ongoing training, exercises and the professional approach of these volunteers, RNLI, Coast Guard and other agencies are able to work together safely as a unit to effect rescue in these difficult situations, this rescue gives us a strong and timely reminder of the need to respect the water and carry a means of calling for help when going on or near the water.'

Ends

All Photos Mark Corcoran/Arklow RNLI

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Mark Corcoran, Arklow RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0868260439, email [email protected] or contact Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager on 087 1254 124 or 01 8900 460 email [email protected]

RNLI online

For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.ie News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.ie/press

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations with 44 in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of the Coast Guard 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 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland and registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736)

Key facts about the RNLI

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, 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.