Dunmore East RNLI rescue two divers off Hook Head
Dunmore East RNLI rescued two divers who got into difficulty off Hook Head in County Wexford yesterday afternoon (Sunday 28 May).
The volunteer crew was requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat at 1.19pm following a report from the Irish Coast Guard that two divers were in the sea and holding on to a buoy off Hook Head. The men had been doing a shore dive when they drifted offshore in tidal conditions.
The lifeboat under Coxswain Michael Griffin and with four crew members onboard launched within minutes. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 from Waterford was also tasked.
Weather conditions at the time were good as the lifeboat made its way to the scene approximately half a nautical mile from Hook Head.
On scene, the lifeboat crew observed an orange smoke which had been deployed by the helicopter overhead to guide the crew to the area where the divers had been located.
The divers who were thought to be in the water for approximately 30 minutes were assessed with one showing early signs of hypothermia. The crew proceeded to take their gear onboard the lifeboat before taking both men onboard. Casualty care was administered and they were transferred safely back to shore at Slade Harbour where they were made comfortable and not found to require any further medical attention.
Speaking following the call out, Neville Murphy, Dunmore East RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘We were happy to help the divers and would like to wish them both a speedy recovery. As we approach the summer months, we would remind anyone planning any activity at sea to respect the water. Always wear the appropriate clothing for your activity and always wear a personal floatation device. Check the weather and tide times before you venture out and remember to always carry a means of calling for help and tell someone else where you are going and when you are due back.’
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For more information please contact Neville Murphy, Dunmore East RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0876961832, email [email protected] or 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]
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