Busy weekend for Waterford search and rescue services
Dunmore East
Dunmore East RNLI responded to a report of a person who fell into the water while fishing on Saturday.
The Dunmore East RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were alerted at 7.50 pm on Saturday and the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, William and Agnes Wray, was launched with five crew members on board.
“On arrival at the scene, at the location known as The Flat Rocks, the casualty was already out of the water and on the rocks. A lifebuoy had been thrown to the person and used to assist them back to safety,” said the group.
Emergency services were in attendance on shore, where the person was assessed by the Fire Brigade and Irish Coast Guard.
They were then taken to University Hospital Waterford by ambulance.
The person was fishing from rocks just south of Dunmore East Harbour.
“Dunmore East RNLI remained on scene for a short period while it was confirmed that only one person had entered the water. Once this was established, the lifeboat was stood down by the Irish Coast Guard and returned to station.
Following the call-out, Dunmore East RNLI is reminding people fishing or spending time around exposed rocks to be particularly mindful of sea conditions and wave heights.
“People should keep a safe distance from the water’s edge, especially where waves are breaking onto rocks, and those fishing from exposed locations should consider wearing a personal flotation device.
“It is also important to be aware of the location of nearby lifesaving equipment, including lifebuoys,” said the group.
In a post on social media, Waterford City River Rescue said they, as well as Waterford City Fire Service and members of An Garda Síochána, were tasked with locating a person reported as having entered the Suir in the area of Rice Bridge.
“An intensive search was carried out by Waterford City Fire Service and our three rescue boats, The Lenny O’, The Trisha Nell and the KennethWayne. We were stood down by the Irish Coast Guard just after 9pm. Thank you to everyone involved and thank you to the member of the public who called 999,” wrote the group.
The group went on to say that it is very important that anyone who sees someone in distress contacts the emergency services quickly.
Do not assume somebody else has called it in.
If you see anyone in difficulty on lakes, rivers or the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Irish Coast Guard, who will dispatch the services needed to the scene.
