Courtmacsherry RNLI in call out to people in difficulty off Garrettstown Head
Courtmacsherry RNLI's all-weather Trent class lifeboat was called out at 5pm this evening (Tuesday 20 October) to go to the aid of two people who had got into difficulty while walking on the coastal headland at Garrettstown, near the Old Head of Kinsale in West Cork.
The Courtmacsherry RNLI lifeboat under Coxswain Sean O'Farrell and crew were underway within minutes and immediately proceeded to the area of the casualty. The seas were very rough along the entire coast of West Cork over the past 12 hours with spring high tides and high winds.
Taking a pounding as she left Courtmacsherry Harbour, the Frederick Storey Cockburn proceeded at full speed towards Garrettstown and the crew were on the scene of the incident by 5.30pm. Also joining in the rescue operation were the Old Head of Kinsale Coast Guard Unit, The Coast Guard Rescue 115 Helicopter from Shannon, the Gardaí and the HSE Ambulance. Once the casualty was safely located at the rocky shoreline, he was transferred to a waiting ambulance for observation and further checks.
Commenting on this afternoon’s call out, Brian O'Dwyer, Courtmacsherry RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, thanked all the lifeboat crew members for their quick response today and as always, the great dedication that they show in all types of weather and strong seas like today. He again reiterated that it is so important to call the rescue services at 112 or 999 quickly once any incident occurs.
The Courtmacsherry RNLI lifeboat crew involved in today’s call out were Coxswain Sean O'Farrell, mechanic Chris Guy and Crew Mark Gannon, Evan O'Sullivan and Conor Tyndall.
'As we are face into lockdown times once again, we would stress to all those that are partaking in any water activities or planning a visit to the coast over the next month, to remember and follow RNLI safety advice below and to stay safe in these different times for all rescue services.
�. Have a plan - check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage
�. Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water
�. Don’t allow your family to swim alone
�. Don’t use inflatables at all, at all on the sea.
�. If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float
�. In an emergency dial 999 or 112, and ask for the Coast Guard
Ends
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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.
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