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RNLI lifeboat in cliff rescue at Dursey Sound today

November 13th, 2016 10:03 PM

By Southern Star Team

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noon to go to the aid of a man trapped a ledge on the shore in the Dursey Sound.  

Castletownbere's Lifeboat was tasked today just before noon to go to the aid of a man trapped a ledge on the shore in the Dursey Sound.

The lifeboat, under command of Second Coxswain Paul Stevens, was launched within seven minutes and arrived on scene 35 minutes later.

The casualty was located at the bottom of a cliff on a narrow ledge and suspected to be suffering from hypothermia.

Given the dangerous 3 to 4 metre swell on the shoreline, the lifeboat was unable to launch its inflatable Y-boat.

The Shannon-based helicopter Rescue 115 was also on scene but unable to deploy a winchman given the adverse conditions.

The lifeboat was able to provide the Coastguard with details of the casualty's location through radio contact.

The local Castletownbere Coastguard Unit finally lowered one of its team who was able to secure the casualty and both were brought up the cliff in a skillful manoeuvre. 

On receiving a medical assessment from ambulance crew, he was transferred to Tralee General Hospital by helicopter.

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