20/09/2022
The Irish Cave Rescue Organisation (ICRO) was tasked by An Garda Síochána in the early hours of September 18, to assist with a multi-agency sea-cave rescue at Downpatrick Head in Co. Mayo.
A man had entered the cave on the previous day, but became stranded on a ledge some 40 metres inside the cave due to the tide and sea conditions.
Lifeboat teams from the RNLI and Coast Guard were hampered by the dangerous swell within the cave, and could not safely gain access by sea.
However, ICRO was able to 'rig' (establish) an alternative route using ropes from the clifftop.
Specialist rigging teams from ICRO’s Fermanagh and Clare regions completed a 12-hour bolting exercise down the cliff face and along a difficult traverse inside the cave to reach the man.
He was given an initial assessment, and then guided out along the rope traverse, to where he could be assisted in walking to the top of the cliff. He was then flown by Coast Guard helicopter to Sligo University Hospital for treatment.
ICRO personnel were stood down at 16:15.
ICRO would like to thank all of our volunteers involved in this successful rescue.
ICRO would also like to thank the other agencies who were instrumental in its outcome: Coast Guard and RNLI units from Killala, Ballyglass, Killybegs and Achill, An Garda Síochána, the National Ambulance Service, Civil Defence, and the Fire Service.
Huge thanks also to the local Ballycastle community for supporting and catering for all of the teams.