Kilrush RNLI volunteers rescued two people and their dog who became cut off by the rising tide near Carrigaholt on the Shannon Estuary at the weekend.
The volunteer lifeboat were requested by watch officers at the Irish Coast Guard’s marine rescue coordination centre on Valentia in Kerry to launch their inshore lifeboat (ILB) at 4.15pm. The Coast Guard had received a report that a man, woman and their dog had been trapped by the incoming tide while walking along the shoreline. As the tide rose, they attempted to climb the cliff to safety but were unable to find a safe exit.
In favourable conditions, Kilrush RNLI’s lifeboat crew located the causalities three-quarters of a nautical mile east of Carrigaholt. As the casualties were on the cliff edge, the crew skilfully manoeuvred the lifeboat and veered down to the base of the cliff. Following a number of attempts as a result of depth restrictions and unknown seabed terrain, the casualties were safely taken aboard the lifeboat. The casualties were assessed and no further medical intervention was required.
The causalities were then taken to Carrigaholt pier, where Kilrush RNLI was assisted by a local person who was listening out on Channel 16, and who kindly transported the casualties to their accommodation.
Speaking after the call out, Kilrush RNLI Helm Tom Blunnie said: ‘We were delighted to bring everyone to safety and that this call out had a positive outcome. The casualties did the right thing by calling for help when they realised they were in difficulty – that early call meant we could reach them quickly before the situation worsened.
‘I would also like to commend the work of the lifeboat crew. This was a particularly challenging service, requiring the extraction of both casualties and their dog from a steep ledge on a lee shore. It demanded a high level of individual skill and collective teamwork, which is a real testament to the RNLI’s training standards.
‘This incident is a timely reminder of how quickly conditions can change along the coast. Even on calm, sunny days, rising tides can cut off walking routes in a matter of minutes, leaving people stranded. We urge everyone planning to walk along the shoreline to check the tide times, carry a means of calling for help, and never hesitate to dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard if you or someone else is in trouble. We would also like to thank the local person who assisted our crew at Carrigaholt Pier – community support is invaluable and always greatly appreciated.’
