Fethard RNLI respond to call to help stranded walkers cut off by the tide
Volunteer lifeboat crew at Fethard RNLI were requested by the Irish Coast Guard on Sunday 28 February at 5.15pm to reports of three walkers who were cut off by the incoming tide with no way of getting to safety.
The alarm was raised by a concerned resident of Bannow Island who knew the area well and could see the walkers were in difficulty.
Fethard RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched and arrived at Cocklestrand, west of Bannow Island at 5.35pm. The Kilmore Quay Coast Guard unit was also tasked. Once on scene the lifeboat crew began the search for the stranded walkers. An extensive search of the north and south shoreline was carried out, but the walkers were nowhere to be seen and had made their own way to safety.
Mark Brennan, Fethard RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘The member of the public did absolutely the right thing, reporting someone in difficulty.
'It is always better to be safe than sorry and we would much rather launch and find nothing than not launch at all, safety is always our priority.
'People are keen to exercise outside within government guidelines and we live in a beautiful area with lots of access to the coast. However, we would advise people to keep an eye on their surroundings, in particular incoming tides and also to watch their footing on the shoreline.
'Always check the tide times and heights and keep a look out for incoming tide. Use tide timetables or a tidal prediction app. Make sure you have enough time to return safely. If in doubt, seek local advice.
‘Fethard RNLI remain on call and fully operational during the Covid-19 pandemic. There is no crew training or exercises taking place at the moment, but we are here if people need us.’
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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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