Three-year-old boy falls in River Lee; passing woman jumps in to save him

Fire service officials in Cork City have praised the "outstanding heroism" of a passer-by who rescued a three-year-old boy from the River Lee.

It is believed that while walking with his minder on Patrick’s Quay in the city centre near Brian Boru bridge, the three-year-old boy went under one of the railings and fell into the water.

Seeing the incident, passer-by Maria Foley from Cobh, who is in her 30s, leaped into the water in a bid the rescue the child.

Ms Foley then held the child above water until the Fire and Ambulance services arrived.

An image from a video of the rescue operation today. Picture: Cut from a video by Ciara O'Dwyer

An official from the Cork fire service said Ms Foley’s actions were “extremely brave”.

“Being low tide, it was about a five metre (16.4ft) drop into the water,” said the official. “This is outstanding act of heroism on her part.”

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Five units of the Anglesea Street and Ballyvolane Fire service attended the scene after receiving the call at 12.05pm, along with two units from the Ambulance service.

The road on Patrick’s Quay was closed, as well as one lane of the Brian Boru bridge.

The child and Maria were winched to safety, as can be seen in the video sent to Cork's 96FM, and taken to Cork University Hospital. Both are said to be in good health despite their ordeal.