Crosshaven Lifeboat moves inland - The Carrigdhoun

At about 1930 Wednesday 17 September, the Honorary Secretary of Crosshaven Lifeboat was contacted by a member of the RNLI engineering crew. En route from Crosshaven to Courtmacsherry, the engineer had come across the floods in Carrigaline & was assisting the emergency services with the flood relief work & more personnel were needed.Several of the crew were contacted by telephone and assembled at the lifeboat station where they donned drysuits, thermal undersuits and lifejackets and headed for Carrigaline by road. They were forced to walk from the GAA club due to the extent of the flooding. Having helped several individuals out of stranded cars, attention turned to a roadside house with elderly inhabitants which was well under water. The crew entered the house, with water levels waist high at times. The inhabitants were evacuated to the care of Carrigaline Fire Brigade. Conditions were very difficult on scene with the surge knocking one fireman off his feet.With all individuals out of danger, the crew left the scene and returned to station. Though the RNLI exists to save lives at sea, exceptions are often made in such circumstances. Last year extensive inland flood relief work was performed during the UK floods by RNLI crews and boats. During the entire incident on Wednesday, the lifeboat itself and the remainder of the crew were available to respond to any marine emergency as is the case 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.