A multi-agency search and rescue operation was mounted in Co Clare this afternoon following reports of a swimmer in difficulty in a lake.
The alarm was raised shortly before 5.00pm when emergency services received a call about an incident at Cloonmacken Lough, a short distance from Inagh village.
It’s understood that the man had entered the lake in an effort to rescue a dog. It’s believed that dog was struck by a vehicle on a nearby roadway but ran off. After witnessing the incident, the man drove after the dog to check whether the animal had been injured.
The dog is thought to have jumped into the lake and began swimming. The good Samaritan removed his trousers and shoes and jumped in after the animal. After swimming after the dog for a time, it’s believed he lost sight of it.
Back on the shore, the man’s partner became worried when she lost sight of him and raised the alarm.
Watch officers at the Irish Coast Guard’s marine rescue coordination centre on Valentia Island in Kerry mounted a search and rescue operation.
Gardaí were notified while three units of Clare County Fire and Rescue Service from Ennistymon station were mobilised to the scene. The National Ambulance Service was alerted while the Shannon-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 115, and Clare Civil Defence were also tasked.
The lake was described as ‘lumpy’ while it was also reported to be windy in the area. The man however swam against the wind and current but was unable to locate the dog.
On arrival at the scene, fire service swift water rescue technicians were ready to launch their raft and commence a search for the man. At around the same time, Rescue 115 arrived at the scene and located the man at the northwestern end of the lake. It’s understood that he swam up to 500 metres before he safety exited the water.
The helicopter’s winchman/paramedic was lowered to the ground to where the man had gotten ashore and assessed the man. It was found that he was unharmed. As the barefooted man had gotten ashore in an area of rough underfoot conditions, he was winched on board the helicopter and transported back across the lake close to where the other emergency services were located.
The man was met by fire service personnel and take by road back to the local pier to be reunited with his partner. Once it was confirmed that the man was unharmed and did not require medical attention, the search operation was stood down.
By the time the emergency crews left the scene the dog had not been located.
Meanwhile, while returning from that callout, Clare Civil Defence members met a young child who appeared lost and upset on the side of the main Ennis to Lahinch road.
Members stopped to speak to the child and established that he was lost after apparently wandering away from his home. Gardaí were immediately notified.
The young child was able to direct the Civil Defence members to where he lived over a kilometre away. The child was driven to the location and reunited with his mother.
