Rescue 117, which was tasked to rescue a 16-year-old in a cliff below Tramore's Doneraile on Friday last.
As the tide came in the young man sent out a distress call and was duly rescued in timely fashion by Rescue 117.
This writer saw him retrieved to safety by the R117 winchman, who hooked him onto a line before both were brought back into the ‘belly’ of the craft by the helicopter’s winch operator.
The rescue operation was completed in less than a half hour and attracted a crowd of onlookers the pier, the Doneraile and the nearby beach.
This once again showed the value of having such a vital lifesaving service for the south east and southern coast based at Waterford Airport.
On their Facebook page, Rescue 117 offered the following advice when walking along the coast:
“Make yourself aware of high tide times for the area you intend to be in. Also remember that it doesn’t have to be bang-on high tide for an area to become isolated: A rising tide can cut off some areas many hours before actual high tide.”
“Dress appropriately for the weather and wear proper foot wear. Don’t chance going out at night. Always tell someone where you are going. And if you do get cut off, call 112 immediately and request the Irish Coast Guard.”
