Ireland

Irish college thanks emergency crews after 15 rescued in Donegal

The rescue took place off the coast of Donegal. Picture by Irish Coastguard
The rescue took place off the coast of Donegal. Picture by Irish Coastguard The rescue took place off the coast of Donegal. Picture by Irish Coastguard

AN IRISH-language college in Co Donegal has thanked emergency crews for rescuing 15 people, including both students and staff, who got into difficulty near a beach while swimming.

Those caught up in the emergency on Tuesday were attending the Gael Linn college in the Gaeltacht area of Machaire Rabhartaigh along the west coast.

Ten of the casualties were airlifted to Letterkenny University Hospital by the coastguard helicopter after the alarm was raised around 5pm.

All were discharged that night, except for the college principal who was described as "making a good recovery".

It remained unclear yesterday where all the casualties are from, but a Gael Linn worker said most students on the affected course would be from Northern Ireland.

In an earlier post on Facebook, the college said: "The Irish coastguard, together with local people and college staff assisted in the rescue and 10 people were brought to hospital for assessment.

"The good news is that everybody is fine and all have been discharged with the exception of the college principal who is making a good recovery.

"Gael Linn would like to thank sincerely the Irish Coastguard, Rescue 118, and all who ensured that there was a successful outcome.

"The parents of the students involved were contacted immediately."

Those affected were initially treated at a local community centre.

A coastguard spokesman said it was a lucky outcome and thanked the public for quickly alerting the emergency services.

"The helicopter crew deserve special commendation for their efficient response to a difficult challenge, as do staff in Malin Head for coordinating an operation with a successful outcome," he added.