Stranded paddleboarders rescued by Wicklow RNLI and Coast Guard helicopter
The volunteer crew launched the inshore lifeboat Dennis-Audrey and the all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O'Shea within 10 minutes. They arrived on scene another 10 minutes later in slight seas and in a light southerly breeze.
Once they had reached the scene, the crew found that the two paddleboarders had managed to scramble up some rocks, but were unable to move any further. It was decided to airlift the pair from the rocks back down onto the beach.
Both lifeboats remained on scene while this operation took place. Once the casualties were safely landed on the beach a joint operation between the Coast Guard and lifeboats began in order to remove the paddleboards from the area. This was deemed the safest action as it would prevent any members of the public trying to retrieve the boards, and also to help avoid any further call outs should they be spotted floating by vigilant members of the public.
The boards were removed from the rocks by the inshore lifeboat crew with the assistance of the Coast Guard land based team and then transferred to the all-weather lifeboat. The casualties were assessed medically a d fortunately only had a couple of scratches.
Speaking after the call out, Connie O'Gara, Wicklow RNLI deputy lifeboat press officer, said: 'This was a great example of multi-agency working resulting in the successful rescue of two casualties. We wish both casualties well and would remind the public, if going on the water to please wear a suitable flotation device and to ensure you have a means of calling for help should you get into difficulty. In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'
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