Teenager airlifted from Clare Island

Neill O’Neill

The parents of a teenager who was airlifted from Clare Island at the weekend have expressed their gratitude to the people of the island who came to the aid of their son. It is understood that the boy, who is from the Westport area, became disorientated after slipping on rocks on the island, when he became separated from his group on Saturday night. He suffered a head injury but was able to alert relatives about the incident and local people on Clare Island scrambled to his rescue in darkness, locating him and taking him from a treacherous spot on the shoreline and away from the rising tide. After summoning medical help from a doctor on the mainland, it was decided to transport the boy to Mayo University Hospital and the Coast Guard helicopter was called in to perform an airlift. It is understood that the teenager has since been released from hospital after what was a very frightening and dangerous situation for all concerned and is recovering well. His family wish to thank the nurse on Clare Island and all involved in the rescue.