Kinsale RNLI rescue three swimmers and a horse in one day
Kinsale RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were involved in two rescues today (Sunday 17 February), the first involving a horse and the second was to assist three young men swimming around Sandycove Island.
Late in the afternoon the lifeboat launched following reports that a swimmer had sustained a knee injury after entering the water near cliffs off the island, a popular site with open-water swimmers. When the lifeboat arrived on the scene, the lifeboat crew lifted the casualty and two other swimmers into the lifeboat where they were assessed. They were brought back to the station where a further medical assessment was conducted by trained RNLI personnel and nurse Emer Scannell (who was visiting a crew member). The casualty was later taken by ambulance to hospital.
Earlier in the day, the Kinsale lifeboat crew rode to the rescue of a horse named Paddy that got into difficulties in the Bandon River. The horse’s hoof was trapped in the framework of an oyster bed, requiring a member of the volunteer crew to dive under the water and release the panicked animal. After several attempts, Paddy was safely returned to the shore, much to the relief of his owners.
Kevin Gould, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Kinsale RNLI lifeboat station, said: 'We urge everyone to exercise extreme caution on or near the water, particularly at this time of year. On days like today our RNLI training proves invaluable and we are all relieved that both call-outs ended well. Today’s rescues give a new meaning to the expression ‘surf and turf’.'
Ends
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Tricia Tyson Kinsale RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer email:
[email protected] Tel: 083 1529282 or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Tel: 087 1254 124 / 01 8900 460 email
[email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Tel: 087 6483547 email:
[email protected]
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.