'Pure coincidence': RNLI crew out on exercise find man, 60s, injured and hypothermic

It is not known how he came to injure himself or how long he had been there before the RNLI crew spotted him

Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 115 was tasked from Shannon and winched the man aboard to take him for further medical treatment.

An RNLI crew out on a training exercise in Co Cork this morning discovered a injured man on the rocks.

RNLI Kinsale were out near the cliffs at Garrettstown at around 9am when they happened upon a man on the rocks in distress.

The area where the man, aged in his 60s, was found was too difficult for the boat to approach and so two members swam to him.

Two RNLI volunteers, Jon Hynes and Colum O’Sullivan, swam over to the man to help him to safety and assess his medical condition, while the Coast Guard, Gardaí and paramedics were alerted.

Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 115 was tasked from Shannon and winched the man aboard to take him for further medical treatment.

Lifeboat helm Jonathan Connor said the man was very lucky to have been spotted by “pure coincidence” by crewman David Carter.

“We have no idea how the man entered the water, but he was alone in a fairly remote area so it is unlikely anyone else would have seen him and raised the alarm,” said Mr Connor.

“We are all relieved that we decided to train in that area this morning, and that we were able to work with the other emergency services to bring the casualty to safety.” 

David Carter saw the exhausted casualty being repeatedly swept back off the rocks.

Shortly after returning to the lifeboat station, Kinsale RNLI received another callout.

The second callout was in response to concerns for the safety of a person on board a small inflatable RIB who had been at sea for longer than expected in the area of the Sovereign Islands.

Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 115 was also tasked, along with members of Oysterhaven and Summercove Coast Guard units.

The vessel was located and escorted back to the safety of Oysterhaven.

Mr Connor added: “We urge everyone who is going on or near the water this Bank Holiday weekend to exercise extreme caution as the water is treacherous, despite the sunshine.” 

The RNLI has urged people to follow their safety guidelines:

• Check the weather and tide and familiarise yourself with local currents before you participate in any open water or coastal activity.
• Always carry a reliable means of raising the alarm with you.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.
• Wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid on or near the water.
• Never ever swim alone and always ensure that somebody ashore is monitoring your progress.

Earlier, Castletownbere RNLI rescued a woman who had taken ill on board a boat off the coast of West Cork.