Courtmacsherry RNLI in call to two kayakers in difficulty off Dunworley Point
Courtmacsherry RNLI's all-weather Trent class lifeboat was called out at 12.54 pm on Saturday afternoon (1 August) to go to the aid of two kayakers who got into difficulties, in breezy conditions, off the headland of Dunworley Point on the Seven Heads coastline in West Cork.
The two kayakers were blown on to the remote ragged rocky headland of Birds Island off Dunworley, about seven miles from Clonakilty, and found themselves seeking immediate assistance, as they had to abandon their kayaks.
The Courtmacsherry RNLI lifeboat under Coxswain Micheal O Donovan and crew were underway within minutes and immediately proceeded to the area where the alert was raised. Also tasked by Valentia Radio was the Rescue 115 Coast Guard Helicopter and the local Seven Heads Coast Guard Unit.
The two casualties managed to get onto the rocks after their frightening ordeal and climbed the cliff side to get onto some firm ground. The lifeboat and helicopter arrived on scene and the helicopter landed on the headland to access the injuries to the two people.
The lifeboat recovered paddles from the kayaks and remained on the scene until the helicopter airlifted one of the casualties to hospital and the other person was taken to nearby safe terrain by the Coast Guard unit.
Commenting on this afternoon’s call out, Diarmuid O'Mahony, Courtmacsherry RNLI Deputy Launching Authority and Eamonn Barry, the Seven Heads Coast Guard unit spokesman thanked all the lifeboat and Coast Guard crew members for their quick response and carrying out the rescue and assistance very professionally, in what could have been a very serious incident. They thanked those in trouble for their quick action in seeking immediate help and assistance, as minutes matter and it is always vital to alert the Coast Guard quickly when in difficulty.
The Courtmacsherry lifeboat crew involved in today’s call out were Coxswain Micheal O Donovan, mechanic Tadgh McCarthy and crew members Dara Gannon, Ken Cashman, Denis Murphy and Mark John Gannon.
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