Three swimmers rescued after incident at Louth beach
Clogherhead RNLI was placed on standby to assist in a multi-agency response to a swimming incident
Clogherhead RNLI was placed on standby to assist in a multi-agency response to a swimming incident involving three people at Port Beach, Lurganboy in Louth on Tuesday.
The all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch at 4.48pm by the Dublin Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre following a report of an incident at the northern end of the beach.
The group managed to make their way safely ashore, where local Coast Guard personnel, who were first on scene, carried out an initial assessment.
Two people had ingested a significant amount of water and as a precaution, were transferred from the beach by the Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 116 from Dublin to hospital for further assessment and observation.
Local Gardaí and the National Ambulance Service also responded promptly.
The Shannon was launched but the crew were stood down before the lifeboat entered the water.
Crew on the call out included Coxswain Brian Sharkey, mechanic Barry Sharkey, and crew members Derek Shevlin, Carol Holdcroft, Barbara Kirk, and Patrick Rath.
Shore crew Brian Boylan, Shamey McEvoy, Carolyn Stanley, Paul Finn and Kevin Wallace returned the lifeboat to the station where it was made ready for its next service.
Speaking after the call out, Paul Johnstone, Clogherhead RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: “We are glad the swimmers got to safety and would like to wish them well and commend our colleagues in the Coast Guard for their work.
“The north end of Port Beach can be deceiving with sudden drop-offs in seabed levels and strong currents.
“We would encourage anyone planning an activity on or near the water to check the weather and tide times before heading out; if walking along the shoreline, to remain alert to rising tides, which can quickly lead to stranding and to choose a lifeguarded beach and swim with others, and stay within your depth.
“Be aware of rip currents, which can rapidly carry even strong swimmers away from shore. If you get into difficulty or see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”