Union Hall RNLI assisted a swimmer who was reported missing off Owenahincha Beach last week.
UNION Hall RNLI assisted a swimmer who was reported missing off Owenahincha Beach last week.
The volunteer crew was requested by the Irish Coast Guard to launch their inshore lifeboat after the alarm was raised when the lifeguard reported a strong swimmer missing for 15 minutes off Owenahincha, and last spotted in an area notorious for tidal currents.
The lifeboat, helmed by Chris Collins and with Charlie Deasy and Dan Collins onboard, launched at 1.30pm and made its way to the scene – three nautical miles east of the harbour, arriving at 1.48pm.
Weather conditions were poor at the time with a south east Force 6, gusting Force 7 wind and a big swell.
The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 115 from Shannon was also tasked, along with the local Coast Guard unit from Castlefreke.
Once on the scene, the lifeboat first conducted a search around the rocks where the swimmer was last seen. Due to the tidal and wind conditions, the lifeboat proceeded to conduct a westerly search and successfully located the swimmer in 10 minutes, near Rosscarbery Pier.
The swimmer was in a good condition and the lifeboat proceeded to escort the man as he swam safely to shore, back to Owenahincha.
Jim Moloney of Union Hall RNLI said: ‘We are delighted that the swimmer was safe and well when we located him. And we were happy to escort him safely to shore. We would like to commend the lifeguard for his vigilance and prompt actions as the area can be notorious for tidal currents and conditions were not good.’
