Kinsale RNLI crew on training exercise spot a man in the sea
Kinsale RNLI lifeboat ‘Miss Sally Anne Baggy II - Never Fear, Baggy’s Here’ took part in a multi-agency rescue this morning (Saturday 5 June) after a crew member spotted a man in the sea close to the Old Head of Kinsale.
Volunteer lifeboat helm Jonathan Connor immediately alerted the Valentia Coast Guard to request helicopter assistance as sea conditions prevented the lifeboat from reaching the casualty. RNLI volunteers Jon Hynes and Colum O’Sullivan entered the water and swam in to help the man to safety and assess his medical condition, with the Old Head Coast Guard Unit and Kinsale Garda also on the scene. Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 115 was tasked from Shannon and winched the man aboard to take him for further medical treatment.
Lifeboat helm Jonathan Connor said: ‘Our crew member David spotted him by pure coincidence. We have no idea how the man entered the water, but he was alone in a fairly remote area so it is unlikely anyone else would have seen him and raised the alarm. We are all relieved that we decided to train in that area this morning, and that we were able to work with the other emergency services to bring the casualty to safety.’
Shortly after returning to Kinsale lifeboat station, the crew launched for a second time in response to concerns for the safety of a person on board a small inflatable RIB who had been at sea for longer than expected in the area of the Sovereign Islands. Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 115 was also tasked, along with members of Oysterhaven and Summercove Coast Guard units. The vessel was located and escorted back to the safety of Oysterhaven.
Lifeboat helm Jonathan Connor said: ‘We urge everyone who is going on or near the water this Bank Holiday weekend to exercise extreme caution as the water is treacherous, despite the sunshine. Please follow the safety guidelines issued by the RNLI and the Irish Coast Guard:
- Check the weather and tide and familiarise yourself with local currents before you participate in any open water or coastal activity.
- Always carry a reliable means of raising the alarm with you.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.
- Wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid on or near the water.
- Never ever swim alone and always ensure that somebody ashore is monitoring your progress.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Tricia McLernon, Kinsale RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 083 152 9282 email: [email protected] or contact Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 00353 87 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Media Manager on 00353 87 1254 124 or [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.
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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.