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A MAN WAS rescued from a boat off the coast of Waterford on Tuesday after suffering a suspected shark bite while on board.

Ballycotton RNLI said it was part of the multi-agency operation after it received a request from Dublin Coast Guard at around 4.15pm.

There were five people on board the five-metre pleasure boat, which was about four miles off Ram Head, Ardmore.

The rescue effort involved Ballycotton RNLI, Youghal RNLI and an Irish Coast Guard helicopter.

Ballycotton RNLI’s all-weather Trent-class lifeboat, The Austin Lidbury, was launched at 4.30pm, the RNLI said.

“With calm sea conditions and good visibility, the lifeboat arrived on scene at approximately 5.10pm. Youghal RNLI and Rescue 117 were already at the casualty vessel.

“Both lifeboats remained on standby while the casualty was winched from the vessel by Rescue 117 and transferred for emergency evacuation to Cork University Hospital.”

The rest of the people on board did not require assistance and the vessel later returned safely to Dungarvan.

The coxswain on duty, Eolan Walsh, said the operation was “a well-coordinated multi-agency response”.

“Our crew were pleased to be able to support the operation and remain on scene while the casualty was transferred for emergency treatment and we wish the casualty a full recovery.

“Incidents such as this are a reminder that conditions at sea can change quickly and that anyone heading offshore should make safety a priority,” Walsh said.

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