Man airlifted to Cork hospital after shark bite off Waterford coast

The injured man was winched from the five-metre vessel by Rescue 117 after a multi-agency operation involving two RNLI lifeboats

Rescue 117 helicopter was tasked to the scene. File picture: Peter Grogan

A man is receiving medical treatment after being bitten by a shark while aboard a pleasure craft off Ardmore, Co Waterford.

At approximately 4.16pm on Tuesday, Dublin Coast Guard requested the launch of Ballycotton RNLI to assist a five-metre craft with five people on board, around four miles south of Ram Head.

The man reportedly suffered a leg injury following the shark bite.

The call formed part of a multi-agency rescue operation 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 and arrived at the scene at approximately 5.10pm.

Youghal RNLI and Rescue 117 were already at the casualty vessel when the lifeboat arrived.

Man airlifted to Cork hospital 

Both lifeboats remained on standby while the injured man was winched from the vessel by Rescue 117 before being transferred to Cork University Hospital (CUH) for emergency treatment.

The remaining four people on board did not require assistance, and the pleasure craft subsequently returned safely to Dungarvan.

Ballycotton RNLI returned to harbour at approximately 6.15pm.

Coxswain Eolan Walsh said the operation was a “well-coordinated multi-agency response”.

“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,” he said.

He urged anyone heading offshore to prioritise safety, including wearing a properly fitted lifejacket or personal flotation device and carrying a reliable means of communication.