Fethard RNLI rescues man and two dogs cut off by tide off Creaden Head

The inshore D class lifeboat was requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard at 5.09pm on Sunday and was put to sea immediately from Duncannon Beach with Jamie Chatman at the helm and volunteers Finola Foley and Cathal O’Connell onboard.

The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 from Waterford was also tasked along with the all-weather lifeboat from Dunmore East RNLI.

Arriving on scene approximately 2.7 nautical miles from Duncannon Beach, the lifeboat crew observed Rescue 117 on scene searching for the casualty who was subsequently located standing on rocks under a tree in an area of shallow water.

There was a one metre swell at the time and a Force 3 south west wind blowing. The tide was continuing to rise and there was a ground swell of a metre along the shore.

Dunmore East RNLI arrived on scene and was preparing to launch its smaller daughter inflatable boat to access the shallow water when the D class lifeboat from Fethard arrived.

Due to the shallow conditions and having more room to accommodate casualties, the decision was made for Fethard RNLI’s crew to go to the man and transfer him and the two dogs on to the D class lifeboat. Both the helicopter and the Dunmore East lifeboat stood by until the casualty was assessed. With no further medical attention required, both Rescue 117 and Dunmore East RNLI were stood down while Fethard RNLI brought the man and the dogs back to the safety of Fornaght Strand where the Dunmore East Coast Guard shore unit was there to meet him.

Speaking following the call out, Hugh Burke, Fethard RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: ‘We would like to commend the man for doing the right thing in carrying a means of communication and using it to raise the alarm when he got into difficulty. This rescue was a great example of the good teamwork between the various agencies with our volunteers working closely with our colleagues in Dunmore East RNLI, Rescue 117 and Dunmore East Coast Guard. Due to where the man was seeking shelter on rocks under a tree and in shallow water, he was initially difficult to find so the teamwork in locating and getting to him was important.

‘We would remind walkers that headlands and rocky outcrops can create isolated bays that can get cut off by an incoming tide. Always check weather conditions and tide times before venturing out. Always let someone know where you are going and when you are due back and always carry a means of communication. Should you get into difficulty call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard’.

Ends

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