Arklow RNLI requested to go to the aid of a kitesurfer
Arklow RNLI was requested to launch its lifeboat at approximately 7.45pm yesterday (Wednesday 9 June) following a pager alert to go to the aid of a kitesurfer reported to be in difficulty.
The volunteer crew made their way to the lifeboat station and within minutes of the request were aboard RNLB Ger Tigchlearr and enroute to the reported location.
In light south westerly winds, the all-weather Trent class lifeboat made its way to the reported position approximately six miles north east of Arklow.
While Arklow RNLI's volunteer crew were enroute to the area, the crew of a passing racing yacht involved in the Dunlaoghaire to Dingle yacht race had located the kitesurfer close to Mizen Head. It is thought that the casualty had been in the sea for a prolonged period and the yacht crew recovered the person aboard their boat.
The casualty was transferred to Arklow RNLI's lifeboat upon arrival on scene and brought back to Arklow. Once aboard the lifeboat, the casualty was assessed and helped to warm up but no further medical attention was required.
Arklow RNLI’s crew on this call out were Coxswain Ned Dillon, station mechanic James Russell, Jimmy Myler, Craig O’Reilly, Daniel Downey and John Tyrrell.
Following the call out, Ned Dillon, Coxswain at Arklow RNLI said: 'Huge thanks to the skipper of the yacht Freya and her crew, who despite being involved in the Dunlaoghaire to Dingle yacht race, assisted in the rescue of this casualty by taking him aboard the yacht. Had they not taken this action, there may not have been such a positive outcome, in our eyes they are already winners.'
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