Swimmer rescued in Howth

Yesterday evening, the Irish Coast Guard maritime operations centre received notification from a ferry, the Adam Patricia, off Howth.

The ferry had located a swimmer clinging to a marker buoy one kilometre from shore off Howth.

The swimmer was taken on board the ferry and the Irish Coast Guard unit from Howth were tasked to meet the ferry.

The Coast Guard crew took the casualty, who had been in the water for two hours and was suffering from severe hypothermia, to the Coast Guard station.

Fergus Cooney, Howth Coast Guard PRO, said:

“Medical care was provided until the arrival of an ambulance.

“He was then taken to Beaumont Hospital.

“The swimmer who was a tourist in his 20s had been swimming on Burrow Beach and then decided to swim out to Ireland’s Eye.

“Thanks to the quick response of the ferry crew a very serious situation was averted and a life was saved.

“Long distance swimming without proper precautions is not recommended.

“Whilst air temperature had risen sea temperature at this time of year is still very cold meaning onset of hypothermia can happen quickly.

“If you do see someone who may get into difficulties in the water never delay and call the Coast Guard at 999 or 112 immediately.

“Your quick response could save a life.”