Lifeboat called to surfers in difficulty

The volunteer crew of Bundoran RNLI lifeboat were requested to launch this evening (Saturday 9th April) to reports of surfers in difficulty off Tullaghan in County Leitrim.

The 999 call was made by a member of the public who noticed the surfers struggling to make their way back to shore.

Within minutes the lifeboat launched in challenging conditions and made its way to the scene where the Sligo based Rescue 118 helicopter, who were returning from another incident, had already lifted one of the surfers out of the water. The other surfer was then lifted from the water by the lifeboat. The helicopter landed and handed over the surfer they had lifted to RNLI shore crew. Neither surfer needed medical assistance. 

On their return to the the lifeboat station Bundoran RNLI Helm Brian Gillespie said 'the surfers had luck on their side with the helicopter passing and our lifeboat being able to launch in such challenging conditions. The outcome was positive on this occasion and we are thankful we were able to get to the surfers on time. We would like to remind anyone who sees anyone in trouble on the coast to ring 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard. 

(Picture shows Bundoran Lifeboat rescue at Tullaghan 090416 with Rescue 118 - pic Mark Kelly)

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