RNLI volunteers had to rush to the aid of a kite surfer on Sunday after they became entangled in the lines of their kite off the coast.
Dun Laoghaire crews were called in to help after the unnamed person drifted out to sea before getting in a tangle.
The rescue occurred off Dollymount Strand, around one mile north-east of Bull Island this afternoon.
The Irish Coast Guard requested the volunteer lifeboat crew to assist in the rescue of the young man in his early 20s, the call coming in from his parents, who had been tasked with keeping an eye on his progress from ashore.
The crew was alerted by the RNLI pager at 1:43 pm, launched within five minutes, and made the best speed arriving on the scene moments before 2:00 pm.
Two of the volunteer crew were in their homes, with the third working nearby when the emergency call came in.
The weather was fine, with a slight breeze and minimal swell.
Dun Laoghaire RNLI Helm Paul Cummins said: “The young man got into difficulty when the wind dropped and he drifted a mile offshore. In the process, he became entangled in the kite rigging”.
When the RNLI crew arrived, volunteers Ailbhe Smith, and James Traynor (who was also on his first callout since formally passing out as a full lifeboat crew member), assessed the condition of the casualty and freed him from his rigging equipment, bringing him safely aboard the lifeboat.
Within ten minutes he was returned to his parents ashore safe and well, and thankfully required no medical assistance.
“We were delighted to see the kite surfer reunited with his parents. In this instance, all preparations were followed — the surfer wore a heavy winter wetsuit, had a buoyancy aid, and had a shore contact looking on,” Paul added.
“Anyone taking to the water at any time of the year should always check weather and tide times before venturing out and always carry a means of calling for help should you need to use it.
“Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard”.
READ NEXT :
Grieving family of murder victim reveal torment of keeping killer behind bars
Irishman proposes to girlfriend on Kilimanjaro 'with no plan B if she said no'
Celebrities attend wedding of Shay Given's sister and Dublin publican in Clare
UK crime agency declares caging of Kinahan lieutenant a major 2022 success
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
