The Corrib is one of the fastest flowing rivers in Europe. “It was a lengthy and difficult rescue and all services should be commended for their quick response”.
A young man was rescued from the river Corrib by members of the emergency services in Galway in the early hours this morning (Friday).
The rescue followed a major rescue operation involving the Galway RNLI Lifeboat, Galway Fire Brigade, Galway Gardai, the HSE and the Irish Coastguard.
The young man, whose exact age isn't known, got into difficulty in a canal beside the river at about 3.30am.
The Gardai and Galway Fire Brigade arrived on the scene and during the rescue operation both the fire personnel and the casualty ended up going down the canal and entering the fast flowing river Corrib.
They made their way down to the Spanish Arch under O’Brien’s Bridge and Wolfe Tone Bridge, where the lifeboat was on standby and recovered the casualty.
The lifeboat ferried the young man back to the station where three ambulances were waiting. He was administered first aid and transported to Galway University Hospital.
Mike Swan, Galway RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, says: “It was a lengthy and difficult rescue and all services should be commended for their quick response and help in rescuing this young man and bringing him to safety. It was a great result.”
“We would encourage all members of the public to respect the water at all times regardless of their activity. Be wary of all edges around the sea and watersides. Slips and falls happen in all locations.”
