Two rescues in three days for Kinsale RNLI

Members of the Kinsale RNLI were tasked on two water rescues in the last three days along the Cork coastline.

The first rescue, undertaken on Saturday, involved the rescue of a kayaker who had become stranded on rocks between Kinsale and Oysterhaven.

The casualty became stuck on the rocks off the eastern side of the outer harbour, known as Hangman’s Point, between the two popular tourist spots after capsizing their kayak.

The volunteer RNLI crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat at 3.11pm by the Irish Coast Guard, following reports of the stranded woman from a fellow paddler.

The lifeboat helmed by Lenny Fourie, with crew members Felix Miller and Finn Bowen aboard, made its way to the scene where on arrival, they observed the casualty had managed to swim ashore.

A member of the crew entered the water and swam to the casualty, who was described as "cold and grazed" from the terrain but was otherwise safe and well.

The kayaker was safely transferred onto to the lifeboat, alongside the other paddler who had raised the alarm.

The two water users were then brought back to Kinsale RNLI lifeboat station at approximately 5pm.

Following the rescue, the crew returned to the scene to retrieve the kayak to prevent it from being a potential hazard.

The lifeboat was then asked to launch again last night at 8.44pm following reports of an injured walker along the rocks at Sandycove.

The lifeboat crew responded to this call out and assisted the Coast Guard and National Ambulance Service who brought the casualty to safety.

Speaking after the first rescue, Mr Fourie said: 'We would like to commend the paddlers for not going out alone and for carrying a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch so that they could raise the alarm when they got into difficulty.

“As the summer continues, we would remind people to go prepared like these paddlers, always wear a personal flotation device appropriate to the activity you are doing.

“It is also helpful to label all your equipment with your details so if it is lost or found drifting, the Coast Guard can check you are safe,” he added.

“Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”