Lough Derg RNLI were called into action yesterday afternoon when the call came in that a man had fallen from his kayak and was in trouble in the Nenagh River.
The emergency services had tried unsuccessfully to recover the man from the side of the river before the RNLI was contacted. Lough Derg RNLI sprung into action and the man was spotted just past Annabeg bridge. The river was strewn with debris and the water was difficult to navigate. The kayaker was semi-conscious when the lifeboat crew recovered him from the water and brought him back to the station in Dromineer. First aid was administered en route and the casualty was transferred to hospital via helicopter.
Commenting on the callout Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat helm Eleanor Hooker said, “This was an extremely serious situation and one where every second counted. If he had not been spotted and help had not reached him when it did he was in serious danger of being pulled under by the current. All the emergency services worked together to try and recover him as the speed with which he was being dragged down the river was increasing rapidly. Our thoughts are with him and we hope he makes a full recovery after his ordeal.’
The entire volunteer team at Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat station were involved in the rescue and all agencies were also involved, including the Ambualnce and Fire Services, the Gardai and the Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue Helicopter crew from Shannon.
Photo Credit: RNLI/Lough Derg
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