Crosshaven RNLI volunteer Lifeboat launched at 17.22 (18th April) after a RNLI member who was driving by noticed an elderly man clinging to the side of his boat after falling in at limekiln corner on the Owenabue River. Fortunately, volunteer Lifeboat crew were working nearby the station and the Atlantic 75 lifeboat ‘Miss Betty’ was launched almost immediately. On arrival, the by now hypothermic and exhausted casualty was taken aboard the ILB (inshore Lifeboat) and rushed to the station. The Honorary medical adviser gave the casualty a hot shower along with a full health check.
It is understood that the Gentleman fell into the water whilst transferring to his punt. He tried on a number of occasions to reboard his boat to no avail. Commenting on the rescue, Lifeboat Operations Manager, Alan Barton remarked “he didn’t think the man could have held on much longer, but with the speedy response of the lifeboat with the volunteer crew, it all worked out well.”
