The Rosslare RNLI lifeboat crew towed the wreckage of a light aircraft into Carne tonight (Tuesday 11 August) after it crashed into the sea, at around 5pm this evening, near Tuskar rock, Wexford. Both Rosslare and Kilmore Quay all weather lifeboats were launched when a boat saw the single engine aircraft ditch into the sea and reported it to the Coast Guard. The Rosslare lifeboat was on scene within 28 minutes and stood by as the pilot and sole occupant of the plane was winched to safety by the Irish Coast Guard helicopter.
With the man brought to safety the lifeboat launched the onboard Y boat and secured the remains of the plane by hooking a rope onto the tail fin and around the superstructure of the aircraft. The lifeboat crew then towed the craft and landed it ashore at Carne beach.
Commenting on the operation Rosslare RNLI Coxswain Brendan Pitt said, "The pilot was lucky and conditions were quite calm. When he was safely winched into the helicopter we set about establishing a tow between the lifeboat and the aircraft that would keep it in one piece so that it can be technically examined by the experts."
The lifeboat arrived at Carne beach at about 8.30pm.