Dunmore East RNLI launch following report of missing diver

The Dunmore East RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were alerted at 10.34am and the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, William and Agnes Wray, was promptly launched. They made way in excellent conditions, with calm seas and clear visibility, to the reported location.

While en-route to the scene, information came through that the diver had surfaced, was recovered by the accompanying dive boat, and was being brought back towards Dunmore East harbour.

The RNLI all-weather lifeboat met the returning dive boat and assessed the situation. As the casualty was stable and already receiving casualty care onboard, it was agreed the safest option was for the dive boat to continue directly to harbour, avoiding any delay that a transfer might cause.

Dunmore East RNLI lifeboat then escorted the vessel safely back to Dunmore East, with air support from the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117. On arrival at the harbour, paramedic teams from Rescue 117 and the National Ambulance Service were waiting. The casualty was transferred into their care and taken to University Hospital Waterford for further treatment.

Speaking after the call out, Dunmore East RNLI Launch Authority, Deirdre Lane, commented: ‘This was a fast-moving incident where good communication and cooperation between the dive boat, RNLI, Coast Guard, and ambulance service ensured the casualty received the right care as quickly as possible. We wish them a speedy recovery.’

The RNLI is reminding everyone enjoying our coastlines to take sensible precautions. Even on calm and clear days, conditions can change quickly, and unforeseen problems can occur. Always wear suitable safety equipment, let someone know your plans, and carry a means of calling for help. If you get into difficulty, or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Peter Grogan, Dunmore East RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Media Manager on 087 1254 124 or [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

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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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.