Tag Archives: Rescue Helicopter 115

AN eight-year-old boy who was saved from drowning at Doughmore Beach in West Clare by the crew of Rescue Helicopter 115 has visited the CHC Shannon Base to convey his thanks.  Aidan William Cordeiro was swimming at Doughmore Beach on August 13 when he was taken by rip tides further out to sea. The Kilkee and Doolin units of the Irish Coast Guard were dispatched to the incident along with Rescue 115 from Shannon. A number of people on the beach attempted to reach Aidan but without success. Rescue 115 arrived on scene and were able to see that Aidan was struggling badly to stay afloat. CHC winchman/paramedic Philip Wrenn was lowered to the boy but due to difficult sea conditions, Philip made the decision to release from the winch and swim/fin Aidan to shore. An eye witness said, “The child had to be a strong swimmer to keep himself above water for that long but he was starting to go …

KILLALOE Coast Guard has greatly enhanced its search capability after becoming an approved drone unit, writes Dan Danaher. Two volunteers have been fully trained on how to use a drone during a search and this footage can be live streamed back for viewing in the new Coast Guard Communications Vehicle, which was obtained last year. Images from the drone can also be sent back to Valentia Coast Guard Coordination Centre, which is significant in terms of directing Rescue 115 to a precise location if a casualty is detected. A drone can be used on most occasions, apart from rain and very strong wind. Officer in charge, Damian Quigley said a drone can search inaccessible areas very quickly. New recruits to Killaloe Coast Guard were shown what to expect if the rescue helicopter had to land in a field to airlift a casualty. Killaloe Coast Guard, Killaloe Fire and Rescue and members of An Garda Siochána from the Killaloe station took …