Dunmore East RNLI launch rescue following report of missing diver

Dunmore East RNLI were tasked on Sunday, following a report, to find a missing diver off Brownstown Head.

 The Dunmore East RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew was alerted at 10:34am that a diver had gone missing off the coast of Brownstown Head, Co. Waterford.

The Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, William and Agnes Wray, was promptly launched.

The Dunmore East RNLI is one of 46 lifeboat stations in Ireland, all of which act independently of the Coast Guard and are entirely volunteer-run.

While en route to the scene, the crew was informed that the diver had surfaced and was recovered by the accompanying dive boat. The dive boat made its way towards Dunmore East Harbour.

 The RNLI lifeboat met the returning dive boat and assessed the situation.

As the casualty was stable and receiving casualty care onboard, it was agreed that the safest option was for the dive boat to continue directly to the 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.