Rescue team respond to call-out on Lough Mask

CORRIB Mask Search and Rescue responded to an emergency call-out on Lough Mask on Thursday afternoon.

A man was airlifted to Mayo University Hospital while the rescue crew towed his boat back to Cushlough Pier.

The rescue team reported on Facebook on Thursday: 'At 3 p.m. today our pagers were activated by the Irish Coast Guard to attend an incident on Lough Mask.

'The gentleman was successfully airlifted to Mayo General Hospital for observation by Rescue 118 while our crew towed the fishing boat to Cushlough pier before returning to our base in Tourmakeady.

'We wish the gentleman a speedy recovery.'

Corrib Mask Search and Rescue said the operation was a great combined effort by the local fisherman, their own volunteers and Rescue 118. The team thanked the local fishermen who didn't delay in calling for assistance.

They advised: An early call to 999 or 112 whenever you see anyone in difficulty on or near the water is of vital importance. Please make sure to always carry a means to call for help with you on the water.

This was the crew's second call-out in recent days.

Earlier this week, the unit was tasked to attend a broken down boat on Lough Corrib.

They launched from Lisloughrey and on reaching Inchagoill island and assessing the situation, established a towline to bring the vessel back to Oughterard pier.