Youth team saved from sea rip tides emergency
SEVERAL members of a youth soccer team were rescued from the sea yesterday afternoon.
Eight youngsters in the Fermanagh Super Cup squad and a coach were taken to Sligo University Hospital after they were saved from rip tides by surfers.
The rescue took place after the team finished a training stint on the beach and went for a dip in the ocean to cool down.
Garda Supt Colm Nevin said: “They were only in the sea up to their knees and they were suddenly swept out by an underwater rip current.
“Bundoran lifeboat and Rescue helicopter 118 from Sligo were alerted.
“Meanwhile, local surfers went to the youngsters’ aid and they were rescued and brought to the hospital in Sligo for a check-up.”
A Bundoran lifeboat spokesman added: “The lifeboat crew assisted eight of the players, some who were bruised and had swallowed sea water.”
The incident happened off Tullan Strand, Bundoran, close to where soldier Gavin Carey, 28, drowned last August.
Bundoran RNLI helm James Cassidy warned visitors of the risks.
He said: “Rips are strong currents running out to sea which can catch even the most experienced beachgoers out.”