Rescue services tasked to mountain lake area in Waterford
The casualty was transferred from the scene near Coumshingaun Lough to UHW by the Rescue 117 helicopter. Pic: South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association
Rescue services were tasked to a popular mountain lake in County Waterford after receiving reports that a hiker had suffered an injury after a fall.
The incident occurred at Coumshingaun Lough on Saturday, August 31, with South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA) receiving the report at around 3pm that day.
Outlining details of the incident online, the organisation said team members and vehicles responded to Kilclooney woods and began carrying the stretcher and equipment up the hill to the where the casualty was located on a ridge.
However, as the rescuers were making their way up the incline, SEMRA's Incident Manager at Kilclooney was approached by a group of walkers as one of their group was missing and they were unable to make contact.
Because it looked like the members would have to carry out a search in addition to a rescue operation the decision was made to contact the Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 117, for assistance.
"We are very grateful for their help today, especially when they were so busy themselves and came to us after completing a tasking at sea," stated the organisation in its online post.
"SEMRA members at the casualty site prepared the casualty and assisted the other members of the group and provided hi-line assistance for R117," stated SEMRA.
In the meantime, the missing walker turned up safe and well which was a huge relief to all. The Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland) had just been contacted to provide assistance for the search.
The casualty was brought to Waterford airport by R117 and then transferred to University Hospital Waterford by the National Ambulance Service.
Meanwhile, SEMRA members walked the rest of the group safely the hill and the operation was stood down at 7.50pm, when everyone was safely down and accounted for.
"We would like to thank Garda Ciaran Kenrick, for his outstanding help," stated SEMRA.
"He carried equipment up the hill and directed walkers away from the casualty site to keep the area clear for R117, he was brilliant."
