Tramore RNLI were on a training exercise on Saturday afternoon (23 April) when they were tasked by MRCC and redirected to assist a group of kayakers in difficulty.
Upon arrival at the scene minutes later, the crew learned that the men involved were a party of five who were attempting to return to Newtown Cove having paddled out to Great Newtown Head. When they realised the conditions were far from favourable they turned and tried to battle against strong wind and considerable chop.
A number of the group capsized and this accelerated the onset of hypothermia.
Three men were recovered into the lifeboat and brought directly to the RNLI boathouse at the Pier for medical attention. The remaining two of the party made it safely to Newtown Cove where they were assisted by Tramore Coastguard Unit.
On return to the safety of the boathouse, two of the men were treated for mild hypothermia while another was treated by paramedics and transferred to University Hospital Waterford for further assessment and treatment.
Strong offshore winds contributed to the difficulty encountered by the group.
Tramore Sea Rescue Association (CRBI) lifeboat also launched to assist in the rescue and recovered the kayaks that had been abandoned.
The speed of the response and the positive outcome was helped by the prompt reaction of a member of the public who was concerned about the group's lack of progress in the conditions.
This was a great interagency response example from Tramore Lifeboat RNLI, Tramore Coastguard, Tramore Sea Rescue Association (CRBI), National Ambulance Service and Rescue 117.
