HOWTH RESCUE SERVICES SURPASS THEMSELVES WITH TWO RESCUES IN 15 MINUTES

Posted on July 15, 2014 11:55 AM   |   Permanent Link   

Howth Labour TD and member of the Oireachtas Transport Committee Sean Kenny has paid tribute to the dedicated RNLI crews who serve the communities of east coast and help to keep them safe.

"The RNLI rescued several people in Howth in two separate emergency incidents within minutes of each other earlier this week, showing yet again how dedicated they are and how fast they are to respond to people in distress."

"A group of tourists had to be rescued after the regular ferry from Howth to Ireland's Eye had a problem with the gears and ran aground. It was a 30-foot boat and hit rocks on the north side of Ireland's Eye. A mayday call was issued and 14 people on board were taken to safety, with no medical assistance needed. Shortly after that, a member of the public issued an emergency call when a man jumped a 30-foot drop into the water at Balscadden beach in Howth and was believed to have suffered a chest injury and the RNLI intervened to take him to safety via helicopter. I saw the video footage of this particular rescue and it is quite dramatic to look at, but thankfully the man is not believed to be seriously injured."

"Yet again, I feel it is very important to pay tribute to the RNLI and other emergency services who do so much work to protect the local community from tragedy. They frequently put themselves into harms way in order to be able to do this and consider other people before they consider themselves. I believe this level of service and sacrifice is worth highlighting."

"I also want to suggest that people be vigilant and think before they act when they are in or near water, always to use lifejackets if they are in a boat, and to swim only in safe places, and never when they have just eaten food and not at all if they have consumed alcohol."