Main pic: The dramatic moment rescuers entered the narrow cave to retrieve the trapped kayaker. Pic and video: Brian McGowan/Brimac Security.
This is the dramatic moment a local kayaker was rescued after being trapped in a west Donegal cave yesterday.
The operation was launched just before 3pm when the man reported himself to be in difficulty close to Owey Island.
Immediately, Malin Head Coast Guard tasked the Sligo-based R118 Coast Guard helicopter, Arranmore RNLI, Bunbeg Coast Guard rescue boat and the Bunbeg shoreline team. A number of other local vessels also assisted with the search.
However, the man was trapped inside a deep, narrow cave in choppy waters at the bottom of the steep Owey cliffs. Thanks to the skill and bravery of the various lifeboat crews, and a number of locals, a small craft entered the cave and brought the man to safety at around 5pm.
One man, who was boating in the area at the time, praised the lifeboat volunteers. He also was full of praise for locals David Keller, Tom Ham, Manus O’Boyle and Oscar Duffy who assisted the rescue services.