Baltimore Lifeboat recovers diver from water in Goleen Bay

A middle-aged man, diving alone, was taken from the water in Goleen bay by the Baltimore Lifeboat this evening. The “Hilda Jarrett” had been tasked by the Valentia Coastguard to search for a missing diver in Goleen Bay. The lone diver, had been seen diving at 3pm a mile southwest of Spanish Point. By 5:30 pm, his empty, anchored boat was observed on a rising tide and concerns raised. At 19:05 an alert was made to Baltimore lifeboat and the “Hilda Jarrett” was launched shortly thereafter.

The lifeboat search operation began West of the Calf islands in Roaring Water Bay. Shortly afterwards the LE Eithne arrived and took over on scene command co-ordinating the search with the support of the Baltimore lifeboat and the Waterford rescue helicopter. The search was moved north toward Goleen Bay and in failing light at 22:15, a casualty was taken from the water by the Baltimore Lifeboat two miles from where his boat had been anchored. The man had a weak pulse and was immediately given CPR by the lifeboat crew. He was then transferred to the LE Eithne where he received further medical attention. By 23:00 the man was evacuated by helicopter to Cork University Hospital. Tragically the man died later in hospital.

Crew for the operation were: Coxswain – Kieran Cotter, Mechanic – Cathal Cottrell, Brendan Cottrell, Jim Baker & John O’Flynn & Ronnie Carthy

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