Sligo Bay RNLI volunteers launched last night just hours before the arrival of Storm Ellen to reports of a lone surfer heading out to sea in the fading light.
The inshore lifeboat was joined by the Sligo-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118 as it headed to Strandhill just after 8.30pm yesterday evening, Wednesday 19 August.
Freshening south-easterly winds were blowing 14 knots ahead of the storm’s track north from the West Cork coast.
Once at the scene, the lifeboat crew located the surfer who was able to make their own way ashore.
Speaking following the callout, Aisling Gillen of Sligo Bay RNLI said: “Thankfully this was a happy ending. We would remind everyone of the importance of paying heed to safety warnings during periods of stormy weather and exercise extreme caution.
“Stay back, stay high and stay dry.”