Crosshaven RNLI man swims to save man who fell on rocks

Crosshaven RNLI say a person who fell on rocks at Fountainstown was ‘extremely lucky’ to have been found by a member of the public.

The emergency services were called on Thursday evening after the man was found in a serious condition by a member of the public. The RNLI lifeboat was out on an exercise near the incident and were on the scene within minutes. Due to darkness and a rocky shore, commander Aidan O’Connor elected to swim in to shore with the first aid kit.

Mr O’Connor continued to administer first aid until members of the Crosshaven Fire service, Crosshaven Coast Guard and an ambulance arrived and after further medical intervention, the injured man was stretchered over the rocks.

“The casualty was extremely lucky to have been found by a member of the public,” Lifeboat Operations Manager Patsy Fegan said. “The outcome, if he had remained there overnight would be very different. Always tell somebody where you are going and what time you will be back."