Dunmore East RNLI were tasked at the weekend following a report of a person in the water while fishing from rocks just south of Dunmore East Harbour.
The volunteer lifeboat crew were alerted at 7.50pm on Saturday (29 August) and the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat William and Agnes Wray was promptly launched with five crew members onboard.
On arrival at the scene, at the area known as the ‘Flat Rocks’, the casualty was out of the water and on the rocks. A lifebuoy had been thrown to the person and used to assist them back to safety.
Emergency services were in attendance on shore, where the casualty was assessed by members of the Fire Brigade and Irish Coast Guard. The National Ambulance Service was called and the casualty was subsequently taken to University Hospital Waterford for further assessment.
Dunmore East RNLI remained on scene for a short period while it was confirmed that only one person had entered the water. Once this was established, the lifeboat was stood down by the Irish Coast Guard and returned to station.
Following the call-out, Dunmore East RNLI is reminding people fishing or spending time around exposed rocks to be particularly mindful of sea conditions and wave heights.
People should keep a safe distance from the water’s edge, especially where waves are breaking onto rocks, and those fishing from exposed locations should consider wearing a personal flotation device. It is also important to be aware of the location of nearby lifesaving equipment, including lifebuoys.
If you see someone in difficulty in or near the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.
