Volunteer lifeboat crew at Fethard RNLI were requested by the Irish Coast Guard Sunday evening to reports of three walkers who had become cut off by the incoming tide with no way of getting to safety.
Fethard RNLI respond to call to help stranded walkers cut off by the tide (Credit: RNLI/Mark Brennan)
The alarm was raised by a concerned resident of Bannow Island who knew the area well and could see the walkers were in difficulty.
Fethard RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched and arrived at Cocklestrand, west of Bannow Island at 5.35pm. The Kilmore Quay Coast Guard unit was also tasked. Once on scene the lifeboat crew began the search for the stranded walkers. An extensive search of the north and south shoreline was carried out, but the walkers were nowhere to be seen and had made their own way to safety.
Commenting on the call out Mark Brennan, Fethard RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘The member of the public did absolutely the right thing, reporting someone in difficulty. It is always better to be safe than sorry and we would much rather launch and find nothing than not launch at all, safety is always our priority. People are keen to exercise outside within government guidelines and we live in a beautiful area with lots of access to the coast. However, we would advise people to keep an eye on their surroundings, in particular incoming tides and also to watch their footing on the shoreline. Always check the tide times and heights and keep a look out for incoming tide. Use tide timetables or a tidal prediction app. Make sure you have enough time to return safely. If in doubt, seek local advice.
‘Fethard RNLI remain on call and fully operational during the Covid-19 pandemic. There is no crew training or exercises taking place at the moment, but we are here if people need us.’
