Courtmacsherry RNLI in rescue of windsurfer 1km off Garrylucas Strand
Courtmacsherry RNLI's all-weather Trent class lifeboat was called out this afternoon at 4.10pm to go to the immediate aid of a windsurfer who got into difficulty over one kilometre from shore off Garrylucas Strand near the Old Head of Kinsale in West Cork.
The lifeboat under Coxswain Sean O'Farrell and crew of four were underway within minutes and proceeded at full speed to the area of the casualty in rough conditions at sea this afternoon.
The lifeboat reached the casualty, who was being blown out to sea, within 15 minutes, and the crew immediately plucked him from the choppy seas to the safe surround of the lifeboat. Once on board the lifeboat and assessed by the crew, he was immediately wrapped in blankets and made comfortable and brought back at speed to the Courtmacsherry Harbour Pontoon where he was transferred to the RNLI Station House for some further observation in a warm surrounding.
He was really glad to be safely on shore and appreciated some hot drinks from station crew member Micheal Hurley, after a difficult 45 minutes in the cold rough water. The conditions at sea this afternoon were difficult with offshore winds haven risen in the afternoon and a rough sea developing.
Thankfully a happy ending as his Mother travelled by car to collect him from the station house, with both praising the swift action of the RNLI in carrying out the rescue. The Coast Guard Rescue 115 Helicopter was also tasked to assist in today’s incident.
Commenting on the call out, the Courtmacsherry RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Brian O'Dwyer thanked all the crew members for the quick response to the station’s second call out in 24 hours, and carrying out the rescue so quickly in difficult conditions. He reiterated that it is so important to call the rescue services at 112 or 999 quickly once any incident like this occurs and this resulted today in a very fast response to the scene by the rescue services.
The Courtmacsherry lifeboat crew involved in today’s call out were Coxswain Sean OFarrell, Mechanic Tadgh McCarthy and crew Paul McCarthy, Denis Murphy and Jim O'Donnell.
As we experience severe lockdown times once again until 5 March, we would stress to all those that are partaking in any water activities or planning a visit to the coast over the next six weeks, to remember and follow RNLI safety advice below along with all new Government regulations 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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