Kilrush RNLI involved in multi-agency search in Shannon Estuary
Kilrush RNLI was involved in a near two-hour search and rescue operation that resulted in one person being rescued after going overboard from a ferry in the Shannon Estuary on Sunday morning (7 September).
The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat at 9.22am by Valentia Coast Guard following reports that a person had gone overboard from a car ferry.
In moderate conditions with a strong ebb tide, the Kilrush RNLI lifeboat proceeded swiftly to the last known position. A major multi-agency search and rescue operation was quickly initiated. Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 was tasked from Waterford, Fenit RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was launched, and both the Ballybunion Coast Guard unit and the Ballybunion Sea and Cliff Rescue unit were mobilised. A number of other vessels also assisted, including two Foynes-based yachts, the Shannon Pilot boat, and both Shannon Ferries vessels. The search area extended from Aylevarroo Point to Tarbert, with coordinated creeping line search patterns carried out.
Shortly after 11am, Rescue 117's crew sighted a person in the water approximately 1.5 nautical miles west of Tarbert Lighthouse on the Kerry shore. The helicopter’s winchman was deployed, entered the water and secured the casualty. Kilrush RNLI then came alongside, recovered the casualty safely on board, and supported the winchman during the operation. The casualty was subsequently winched from the lifeboat into the helicopter and transferred directly to University Hospital Limerick for treatment. Once the person was confirmed safe, the wider search operation was stood down.
Speaking after the call out, Kilrush RNLI Helm Charlie Glynn said: 'This was a large and time-critical search in the Shannon Estuary. The casualty was in the water for nearly two hours so it was great to be able to bring them safely to hospital as a result and we wish them well.
'To see so many agencies and local vessels working seamlessly together was remarkable. It was a professional and determined effort. This incident is also a timely reminder of how quickly things can change on the water. We urge everyone to always wear a lifejacket and should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'
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RNLI Media Contact
For further information, contact Charlie Glynn, Kilrush RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer at [email protected]
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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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