Courtmacsherry RNLI rescues surfer off Garettstown beach
Courtmacsherry RNLI was called out at 11.35am today (Sunday 9 March) to go to the immediate aid of a surfer who had got into difficulties in an offshore wind, in difficult sea conditions off Garrettstown beach in West Cork.
Under Coxswain Ken Cashman and a crew of five, the lifeboat was underway quickly and immediately made its way to the area of the casualty.
The lifeboat crew once on scene, located the casualty drifting off shore at 12noon and successfully brought him safely aboard. He was immediately assessed by the crew and brought back to Courtmacsherry Pier and was taken to the lifeboat Station for a hot shower and a change of clothes. His comrade who was surfing in the area and raised the alarm, was reunited with him at the station shortly before 1pm and both were so delighted to be safely ashore.
Speaking following the call out, Philip White, Courtmacsherry RNLI Launch Authority said: 'Great credit is also due to a local surfer that was able to give the casualty a bigger board to hold on to as he was blown out to sea. Also on scene quickly this morning were the Old Head / Seven Heads Coast Guard unit who co ordinated the search on the shoreline.'
The crew on board today’s call out were Coxswain Ken Cashman, mechanic Dave Philips and crew Peter Nunan, Niamh Hurley and father and son Denis and Taylor Murphy.
'It was great to have 12 of our crew arrive so quickly this morning as minutes matter on a call out like this. It was so important that the rescue authorities were called so quickly this morning by dialling 999 or 112 and asking for the Coast Guard.'
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For more information, contact Vincent O'Donovan, Courtmacsherry RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 00353 862530637.
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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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