Ballycotton RNLI assists in shark bite incident off Ardmore

At 4.16pm, Ballycotton RNLI was requested to launch by Dublin Coast Guard to assist a 5-metre pleasure craft with five people on board, approximately four miles off Ram Head, Ardmore.

The call formed part of a coordinated response involving Ballycotton RNLI, Youghal RNLI and Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 117.

Ballycotton RNLI’s all-weather Trent-class lifeboat, The Austin Lidbury, was launched at 4.30pm. With calm sea conditions and good visibility, the lifeboat arrived on scene at approximately 5.10pm. Youghal RNLI and Rescue 117 were already at the casualty vessel.

Both lifeboats remained on standby while the casualty was winched from the vessel by Rescue 117 and transferred for emergency evacuation to Cork University Hospital.

The remaining members of the group did not require assistance, and the casualty vessel subsequently returned safely to Dungarvan. Both lifeboats were then stood down.

Ballycotton RNLI returned to harbour at approximately 6.15pm, where the lifeboat was refuelled before the volunteer crew continued with their scheduled weekly training session.

Coxswain on duty, Eolan Walsh, said: “This was a well-coordinated multi-agency response, with Ballycotton RNLI, Youghal RNLI and Rescue 117 working together to ensure that the casualty received urgent medical assistance as quickly and safely as possible. Our crew were pleased to be able to support the operation and remain on scene while the casualty was transferred for emergency treatment and we wish the casualty a full recovery.

“Incidents such as this are a reminder that conditions at sea can change quickly and that anyone heading offshore should make safety a priority. Ensure your vessel is suitable for the conditions, wear a properly fitted lifejacket or personal flotation device, carry a reliable means of communication, and make sure someone ashore knows your plans. If you get into difficulty at sea, call for help early — contacting the Coast Guard at 999 or 112 can make all the difference.”

The Ballycotton RNLI crew involved in the rescue were Eolan Walsh (Coxswain), Alan Cott (Mechanic), Conor Philpott (Navigator), Eolan Breathnach, Áine Flynn, Stephen Sloane and Ronan Lynch.

Ends

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Gail Matson, Ballycotton RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0872194825 or email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or [email protected]

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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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