Valentia RNLI rescue man who fell into the sea from the rocks
Valentia RNLI volunteers launched their all-weather lifeboat yesterday (Monday 31 July) to rescue a man who fell into the sea from the rocks.
At 4.51pm the Valentia Coast Guard requested Valentia RNLI’s volunteer crew to launch the all-weather lifeboat and to go to the aid of man who had fallen from rocks into the sea at Culoo Head, Valentia.
Our crew immediately made their way to the scene and located the casualty in the water. Weather conditions at the time were described as good with a two to three metre sea swell and Force 5 west north westerly wind.
They got the casualty from the water and quickly assessed him. Following on from this they made their way back to Knightstown Harbour. Where the casualty was subsequently winched on board the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 115 from Shannon and transferred to University Hospital Kerry for further treatment.
Speaking following the call out, Colum O’Connell Valentia RNLI Lifeboat Operational Manager said: ‘This is a operation our volunteer lifeboat crew train for on a regular basis. The crew work closely with the Coast Guard and Rescue 115 and this was a good example of joint work. We wish the casualty well following their ordeal today. We would encourage all should you get into trouble or see someone else in difficulty, to dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.
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