Updated at 8.47am
A TEENAGE GIRL remains in a critical condition in hospital this morning she and a boy were swept into the water at Hook Head in Co Wexford.
The Coast Guard received a call from a member of the public just after 2pm today saying that a number of youths were in the water. The Waterford-based helicopter was tasked and two casualties were taken from the water at 2.20pm.
The boy and girl, both understood to be 15 years old, were transferred to ambulances which brought them to University Hospital Waterford.
The girl, who is from Dublin, is in a critical condition.
A witness said the teenage girl had gone under the water a number of times, but the boy swam to her and “kept both of their heads above the water”.
Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, director of the Irish Coast Guard Chris Reynolds described it as a difficult rescue.
While the wind was no longer posing the Rescue 117 helicopter much difficulty, very heavy, broken seas meant the two teenagers were in grave danger, Reynolds explained.
The winchman successfully carried out a ‘double lift’, where he was lowered to the water and pulled both casualties to safety.
“The boy was attempting to keep the girl afloat,” he said. “She had gone under a few times.”
Reynolds added that the boy himself was suffering from hypothermia and water intake.
The helicopter was on the scene exceptionally quick, with the entire operation over within 20 minutes.
Two other teenagers from their group went into the water but managed to make their own way back to shore and only sustained minor cuts and bruises.
Originally published 7pm. Additional reporting by Nicky Ryan.
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