Dunmore East RNLI was tasked today (Sunday 28th September) following a report of a missing diver off Brownstown Head, County Waterford.
The volunteer crew were alerted at 10:34am and the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat William and Agnes Wray was launched in in excellent conditions, with calm seas and clear visibility, to the reported location.
While en route to the scene, the RNLI received word that the diver had already surfaced and was being recovered by the accompanying dive boat, which was returning to Dunmore East harbour.
The RNLI lifeboat met the returning dive boat and assessed the situation. As the casualty was stable and receiving casualty care onboard, it was agreed the safest option was for the dive boat to continue directly to harbour, avoiding any delay that a transfer might cause.
Dunmore East RNLI lifeboat then escorted the vessel safely back to Dunmore East, with air support from the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117. On arrival at the harbour, paramedic teams from Rescue 117 and the National Ambulance Service were waiting.
The casualty was transferred into their care and taken to University Hospital Waterford for further treatment.
Speaking after the call out, Dunmore East RNLI Launch Authority, Deirdre Lane, commented:
This was a fast-moving incident where good communication and cooperation between the dive boat, RNLI, Coast Guard, and ambulance service ensured the casualty received the right care as quickly as possible. We wish them a speedy recovery.
The RNLI is reminding everyone enjoying our coastlines to take sensible precautions. Even on calm and clear days, conditions can change quickly, and unforeseen problems can occur.
Always wear suitable safety equipment, let someone know your plans, and carry a means of calling for help. If you get into difficulty, or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
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