A kitesurfer has been rescued by the Dun Laoghaire RNLI Inshore lifeboat operating at extreme weather limits.
The incident occurred around 10.40am when the man was kitesurfing with friends about 150 metres from the shore in breaking surf off Sandymount when he experienced difficulties. He abandoned his equipment in an attempt to swim to safety but was prevented from doing so by tidal conditions.
The casualty alerted the Irish Coast Guard Marine Rescue Co-Ordination (MRCC) and the RNLI Inshore lifeboat (ILB) along with the Coast Guard unit from Dun Laoghaire were tasked to the scene.
Shortly after launching at 10.50am, the ILB with three volunteer crew members on board experienced heavy conditions at the harbour entrance due to the 25-knot south-easterly winds and building seas, the operational limits for this type of lifeboat.
The ILB continued and again encountered breaking surf along the entire shoreline from Blackrock to Sandymount before reaching the casualty's position which had been located by the Coast Guard unit in a shore search.
Due to the high risk of capsize, the casualty was taken on board the lifeboat which returned to Dun Laoghaire shortly before mid-day. No medical treatment was needed.
"Despite the conditions, this rescue demonstrated the capabilities of this small but highly effective lifeboat and its crew," commented Stephen Wynne, Lifeboat Operations Manager with Dun Laoghaire RNLI. "Considerable skill is needed to avoid capsize while rescuing a casualty.
