Wicklow RNLI volunteers joined a multi-agency rescue on Saturday after reports of a swimmer in difficulty at Magheramore. Both the station's all-weather and inshore lifeboats were launched following a Coast Guard alert at 3.30 pm. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116, the National Ambulance Service and local Coast Guard units also responded.
The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O'Shea launched within 10 minutes, with the inshore lifeboat Dennis-Audrey following shortly afterwards. The all-weather lifeboat reached the scene around 20 minutes later in slight to moderate seas and a light north-easterly breeze.
On arrival, the volunteer crew found that two people had scrambled onto rocks but were unable to move any further. One person had entered the water to assist the other after they got into difficulty. With Rescue 116 on scene, it was decided that both casualties would be airlifted from the rocks to the beach.
The RNLI lifeboats remained on scene throughout the operation before returning to Wicklow Harbour once both people were safely ashore.
Speaking after the call-out, Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer Connie O'Gara said: "This was a great example of multi-agency working resulting in the successful rescue of two casualties."
