Ballycotton RNLI was launched at approximately 2.30pm this afternoon to aid a swimmer who had got into difficulty in Ballyandreen Bay.

The man was swimming when he got into difficulty and called for help. A member of the public heard his call for help and alerted Valentia Coast Guard immediately.

The volunteer crew was requested to launch both their all-weather and inshore lifeboats and did so immediately in today’s mild weather conditions.

The inshore lifeboat was first to arrive on scene and was shortly followed by the all-weather lifeboat.

The crew on board the inshore lifeboat recovered the casualty from the water and then transferred him to the all-weather lifeboat where he was medically assessed. A crew member on board then administered first aid and oxygen to the casualty.

Rescue 117 was also tasked and arrived on scene at approximately 3pm. A winch man was deployed from Rescue 117 and put on board the Ballycotton lifeboat.

The casualty was assessed and then airlifted and transferred to Cork University Hospital. The casualty is said to be in a stable condition and is now recovering in CUH.

Speaking following the call out Ballycotton RNLI Coxswain Eolan Walsh said: “We would like to commend the member of the public who raised the alarm today as well as the immediate first aid action of the volunteer crew.

“Their quick thinking and actions ensured that there was a positive outcome today for this casualty. We would also like to wish him a speedy recovery”.