Man airlifted to hospital after suspected shark bite off Ardmore coast

Man airlifted to hospital after suspected shark bite off Ardmore coast; authorities investigate incident and condition of the victim.

Man airlifted to hospital after suspected shark bite off Ardmore coast
Liberal News
Publish: 12.08.2026
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A man was taken to Cork University Hospital after a suspected shark bite occurred about four miles off Ram Head, Ardmore, County Waterford on Tuesday, the Irish Coast Guard confirmed. Rescue 117, Ballycotton RNLI and Youghal RNLI responded and the casualty was winched aboard the Waterford-based helicopter and transported to hospital.

Ballycotton RNLI reported it was tasked at 16:16 by Dublin Coast Guard to assist a five-metre pleasure craft with five people on board. The all-weather Trent-class lifeboat The Austin Lidbury launched at 16:30 and arrived on scene at approximately 17:10 amid calm seas and good visibility.

Youghal RNLI and Rescue 117 were already alongside the boat when the incident took place. The two lifeboats remained on standby while Rescue 117 winched the man on board and flew him to Cork University Hospital, where he was handed over to HSE care. Ballycotton RNLI returned to harbour around 18:15 to refuel before resuming scheduled training.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The coordinated response involved Rescue 117, Ballycotton RNLI and Youghal RNLI working together to provide urgent medical evacuation. Official statements confirm the timeline of tasking, launch and arrival times, the airlift to Cork University Hospital, and that the casualty remains in hospital.

The coxswain on duty, Eolan Walsh, emphasized safety measures for those heading offshore, reiterating the importance of suitable vessels, properly fitted lifejackets, reliable communications and notifying someone ashore of plans.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

  • Incident occurred about four miles off Ram Head, Ardmore, County Waterford on Tuesday.
  • Rescue 117 helicopter winched the injured man and transported him to Cork University Hospital.
  • Ballycotton RNLI, Youghal RNLI and Rescue 117 coordinated the multi-agency response.
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