Two rescues in one weekend

Coastguards called out to separate incidents


Anton McNulty

The Achill and Westport Coastguard units were called out to separate incidents over the weekend where one man was airlifted to hospital with a possible spinal injury.
A 21-year-old Dutch national was rescued from rocks on Sunday afternoon after falling approximately five metres while out walking just south of Roonagh pier, near Louisburgh.
The Westport Coastguard were tasked to come to the aid of the man who assessed that due to the height of the fall, a spinal injury was a possibility. The man was stabilised and made comfortable on scene before being examined by the paramedic aboard the Sligo based Coast Guard helicopter.
Although in some pain the casualty was conscious and in good form throughout the event and after examination by the paramedic, it was decided that he should be placed onto a spinal board and stretcher. He was then carried a short distance over difficult terrain with the help of Mayo Mountain Rescue to the awaiting helicopter, from there he was airlifted to hospital for treatment of his injuries.
On Saturday evening, the Achill Coastguard and Achill RNLI were called to rescue two people on a fishing boat which was washed washed onto rocks on the north side of the island. A third person who was aboard the boat managed to make it ashore and raised the alarm.
The Achill Coastguard D Class rescue boat was launched from Dugort pier and despite thunder and lightning, the craft was secured and it together with   the two crew were towed to the safety of a local pier by the D Class rescue boat under the watchful eye of an RNLI lifeboat.
The Achill Coastguard wish to advise seafarers to make sure that the vessel and all of its equipment are in full and proper working order before putting them back in the water following the winter.