A PAIR of fishermen have come to the aid of a stricken swimmer off the Galway coast.
With assistance from the Galway RNLI Lifeboat, father and son Patrick and Morgan Oliver rescued a man who was spotted clinging to rocks 200 metres from the shore off Salthhill.
Incredibly, it’s the second time in the space of a few short months that the Olivers have been in the headlines for a daring sea rescue.
Back in August they were rightly hailed as heroes after coming to the aid of paddleboarders Sara Feeney, 23, and 17-year-old Ellen Glynn, who had found themselves stranded at sea overnight after drifting away from the shore.
The Claddagh fishermen were subsequently honoured for their brave rescue efforts at a mayoral reception in Galway.
The two young girls were commended for doing everything right in staying together and attaching their boards to a market buoy belonging to a lobster pot.
However, it was the father and son’s remarkable ability at establishing their location using tidal and weather information that proved the difference and brought international attention.
Incredibly the Olivers were back at it again last September when they rescued a swimmer from the River Corrib.
Patrick and Morgan Oliver (RTÉ News)This latest rescue effort came just after 10:30am this past Saturday, November 21, after a member of the general public raised the alarm.
The RNLI said: "The Irish Coastguard sought the assistance of Galway Lifeboat who launched from Galway Docks.
"Two members of the lifeboat shore crew made their way to the promenade to assist in the rescue.
"Patrick and Morgan Oliver were fishing off Salthill at the time and spotted the man taking refuge on Palmer's Rock about 200 metres from Salthill shore.
"They took him on board their fishing boat and brought him back to Galway Docks. Galway Lifeboat in the meantime was stood down."
According to the RNLI, the man is suffering from hypothermia but is otherwise okay having beein transported to a local hospital by ambulance.
Despite the incredible rescue, the incident is being treated as a reminder of the dangers of sea swimming, particularly in Winter.
Deputy Launch Authority Seán Óg Leydon said: "The sea is a great resource for us, but we have to respect it and our limits.
"Luckily this swimmer made his way to a place he could rest and wait for assistance."
