The Courtmacsherry RNLI All Weather lifeboat 'Val Adnams' was called out at 1.30pm yesterday to go to the immediate aid of three surfers who sought assistance in a rolling swell off Inchydoney beach in Clonakilty Bay.

The Lifeboat under coxswain Peter Nunan and a crew of five launched quickly and reached the area at 2pm to commence an immediate search.

Two of the surfers had got to the safety of the shore themselves but the third surfer had got caught in the offshore wind in a strong four metre wave swell.

The causality who was suffering from cramp was quickly located by the lifeboat and taken from the sea and was assessed on board  by the trained causality care crew members.

The lifeboat then returned to Courtmacsherry and the rescued person was taken to the Station House to be further assessed and to receive a change of clothes etc.

Lifeboat operations manager Brian O Dwyer said: 'Great credit is due to those on the shore today who immediately called for help when required by dialling 999 or 112 and asking for the Coast Guard.'

All three surfers were delighted to be reunited in the Courtmacsherry Lifeboat Station House at 5.30pm after an eventful afternoon.

The crew on yesterday's callout were Coxswain Peter Nunan, Mechanic Tadgh McCarthy and crew Denis Murphy, Dave Philips, Luke Hanley and Paul McCarthy.