Two callouts for Youghal RNLI due to strong offshore winds
Youghal RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were requested to launch at 2.48pm today (Friday 31 May) to reports of two children on an inflatable toy craft that was blown out to sea. Followed by another call to help assist a kayaker that was also blown out to sea off Caliso Bay.
The RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew launched their inshore lifeboat following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to reports of two children on a small inflatable toy craft that was blown out to sea a mile off the Strand beach in Youghal.
Rescue 117 were also in attendance and had located the casualties. Once on scene the volunteer lifeboat crew assessed the situation and noticed that it was two adults on an inflatable toy that was being blown out to sea due to a strong offshore breeze. The lifeboat crew assisted the two people onboard the lifeboat where they were brought ashore at the front strand into the care of Youghal Coast Guard who were awaiting their arrival.
While making their way back to the station a second request came in from the Irish Coast Guard to reports of a kayaker that required assistance as they were being blown out to sea off Caliso Bay approximately 2 miles south of Whiting Bay. The weather was a calm sea state with a strong offshore breeze. The lifeboat crew located the owner and their kayak and assisted them back to Whiting Bay Beach.
Youghal Operations manager John Hearne said: ‘ When there is a strong offshore wind you can quickly find yourself a long way from the shore and it can be extremely difficult to get back and you can quickly find yourself in danger. We want to remind the importance to always tell someone if you are entering the water and to carry a means of communication.’
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.