Fishermen rescued after being swept out to sea in Donegal

Two people fishing in Bundoran were rescued after one was swept out to sea and the other jumped in to save them.

Just after 8pm Monday evening, the volunteer crew of Bundoran RNLI were alerted following reports of two people in difficulty in the water at Tullan Strand, Bundoran. The alarm was raised by Malin Head Coast Guard, who immediately tasked the Bundoran lifeboat to attend.

The inshore lifeboat, helmed by Oisín Cassidy with crew members Laura Gillespie, Mark Vaughan and Finn Mullen onboard, launched into challenging conditions but arrived on scene at 8.11pm, within eight minutes of the pagers going off.

The two casualties had been fishing from rocks near the Fairy Bridges when one was swept into the sea by a wave. The second casualty entered the water in an attempt to rescue their companion. While awaiting rescue, the casualty in the water managed to remain in the Float to Live position until help arrived.

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Alongside the RNLI, the National Ambulance Service, An Garda Síochána and the Sligo-based Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118 were also tasked to the incident and remained on scene until the casualties were recovered from the water and transferred to Sligo University Hospital for further treatment.

Speaking after the call out, Bundoran RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Daimon Fergus, said: "I would like to thank the members of the public who quickly threw a lifebuoy to the casualty in the water and also all of the emergency services who worked together with our crew during this rescue."

A spokesperson for the RNLI added: "The RNLI is reminding anyone heading to the coast to always carry a means of calling for help and, if near or on the water, to wear a suitable buoyancy aid or lifejacket.

"Remember, if you get into difficulty in the water, tilt your head back, relax and try to float until it is safe to swim to shore or until help arrives. If you see someone in difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."

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