Latest news with #Fitzell
Irish Independent
24-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Kerry rescue services and helicopter carry out search off Ballybunion coast
Members received notification from the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre at Valentia of a report of a person getting into possible difficulty on the long strand in Ballybunion at 4.55pm. A search, aided by a helicopter, was carried out. This was called off at 6.24pm and the incident was recorded as a false alarm with good intent. Ballybunion Sea & Cliff Rescue spokesperson, Omar Fitzell, said his organisation had received a report of a person in waist-high water. 'The caller then lost sight of the person and rightly made the decision to call the emergency services,' Mr Fitzell explained. Members quickly launched a lifeboat and travelled to the area where the person was seen. A search of the waterline commenced, aided by relatively good conditions and a high tide. The Shannon-based rescue helicopter Rescue 115 also joined the search carried out from the Men's Beach to the Cashen Mouth. 'Our crew quickly launched, proceeded to the scene and after some time searching, they were stood down,' Mr Fitzell said. 'It was a great response from all services involved. 'We are always happy to respond to any call that has good intent such as this and commend the original caller'. Mr Fitzell said that it is always better to be safe than sorry. He encouraged members of the public not to hesitate if they think someone is in trouble and to dial 999/112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
Irish Independent
24-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
North Kerry rescue services and helicopter carry out search off Ballybunion coast
Members received notification from the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre at Valentia of a report of a person getting into possible difficulty on the long strand in Ballybunion at 4.55pm. A search, aided by a helicopter, was carried out. This was called off at 6.24pm and the incident was recorded as a false alarm with good intent. Ballybunion Sea & Cliff Rescue spokesperson, Omar Fitzell, said his organisation had received a report of a person in waist-high water. 'The caller then lost sight of the person and rightly made the decision to call the emergency services,' Mr Fitzell explained. Members quickly launched a lifeboat and travelled to the area where the person was seen. A search of the waterline commenced, aided by relatively good conditions and a high tide. The Shannon-based rescue helicopter Rescue 115 also joined the search carried out from the Men's Beach to the Cashen Mouth. 'Our crew quickly launched, proceeded to the scene and after some time searching, they were stood down,' Mr Fitzell said. 'It was a great response from all services involved. 'We are always happy to respond to any call that has good intent such as this and commend the original caller'. Mr Fitzell said that it is always better to be safe than sorry. He encouraged members of the public not to hesitate if they think someone is in trouble and to dial 999/112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
