A man is recovering in Cork hospital after being bitten by a shark off the Waterford coast.
The incident took place on Tuesday afternoon on a small boat south of Ardmore.
The Irish Coast Guard was alerted at around 4.15pm after receiving a report that a man had suffered a leg injury from a shark bite.
It is understood the man was bitten by a blue shark after it was brought on board the vessel.
Blue Shark. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
He was among five people on a five-metre pleasure craft which was around four miles from Ram Head near Ardmore.
The Coast Guard's Waterford-based helicopter, Rescue 117, was sent to the scene.
Ballycotton RNLI and Youghal RNLI were also called to assist with the rescue.
Ballycotton RNLI launched its all-weather lifeboat, The Austin Lidbury, at around 4.30pm after being requested to attend by Dublin Coast Guard.
The lifeboat reached the scene at approximately 5.10pm.
Rescue 117 and Youghal RNLI were already at the casualty vessel when the Ballycotton lifeboat arrived.
The injured man was winched from the boat by Rescue 117.
He was taken to Cork University Hospital and handed over to the care of the HSE.
Cork Hospital. Photo credit: D. Ribeiro, Shutterstock
The other people on board did not need assistance.
The vessel was later able to return safely to Dungarvan.
Both RNLI lifeboats were then stood down.
Ballycotton RNLI coxswain Eolan Walsh said the rescue involved a “well-coordinated” response from the different emergency services.
“Our crew were pleased to be able to support the operation and remain on scene while the casualty was transferred for emergency treatment,” he said.
He added: “We wish the casualty a full recovery.”
Mr Walsh also urged people heading offshore to put safety first, saying conditions at sea can change quickly.
