Fenit RNLI responds after windsurfer gets into difficulty north of Scarggane Bay

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat at 11.28am following a report from the Irish Coast Guard that a windsurfer was in difficulty. A member of the public raised the alarm.

The lifeboat launched immediately under Coxswain John Moriarty and with four crew members onboard. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 115 from Shannon was also tasked.

Weather conditions at the time were moderate with a force 6-7 south westerly wind and a 5m swell.

The lifeboat proceeded to the scene eight nautical miles from the station.

As the lifeboat was arriving on scene, the Coxswain received an update from the Coast Guard that a local fishing crew in the area at the time, had made their way to the scene and had recovered the casualty into their boat and was bringing them safely back to Scarggane Pier. The lifeboat crew were requested to standby until the windsurfer was safely ashore. The casualty was cold but otherwise safe and well.

The Coast Guard followed up with the fishing crew to check if the casualty required medical assistance. When it was deemed the casualty was safe and in no need of further casualty care, both the lifeboat and helicopter were stood down.

Speaking following the call out, Fergus Kelliher, Fenit RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘We would like to commend the member of the public for their vigilance this morning in raising the alarm when they spotted someone in difficulty, that is always the right thing to do. We would also like to wish the windsurfer well. Our crew responded quickly this morning and launched into deteriorating weather conditions. We would like to commend them and our colleagues from the Coast Guard for their efforts.

‘We would like to remind anyone planning a trip to sea to go prepared. Always check the weather and tides in advance and always let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

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