Fethard RNLI volunteers respond to three callouts in three days

Fethard RNLI volunteers had a busy weekend after being called out three times over three consecutive days.

The first call came on Friday afternoon when the crew was requested by the Irish Coast Guard to assist with a medical emergency involving a person on board a vessel travelling to Slade Harbour.

The crew travelled by road to launch the lifeboat at Slade Harbour, but on arrival found the casualty was already ashore and being assisted by the local Fethard-on-Sea Coast Guard unit. The RNLI volunteers remained at the scene until an ambulance arrived.

On Saturday evening, the inshore lifeboat Naomh Dubhán was launched after reports that two people had become cut off by the tide on rocks north of Sandeel Bay.

Conditions were challenging, with poor visibility due to fog, a Force 5 wind and high tide.

The casualties were located shortly after 7.20pm, with waves breaking over the rocks.

The crew decided the safest option was to deploy the anchor and carefully manoeuvre the lifeboat back towards the two people.

Both were safely brought on board and returned to Slade Harbour, where they were met by members of Fethard-on-Sea Coast Guard.

The crew was called out again on Sunday afternoon following reports of divers unaccounted for at Slade Rock.

However, as the lifeboat was being launched, the Coast Guard confirmed the divers had been located safe and well and no further assistance was required.

Fethard RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Domini Codd praised the commitment of the volunteers and also commended those who raised the alarm during the incidents.

The RNLI is reminding anyone who gets into difficulty, or sees someone in trouble on or ne