Man hospitalised after being bitten by shark off the Irish coast

A man is being treated in hospital following a suspected shark bite, which occurred off Ardmore, in Co Waterford, earlier this week.

According to a spokesperson at the Department of Transport, a multi-agency rescue operation was launched shortly after the alarm was raised at approximately 4.15pm on Tuesday.

“The Irish Coast Guard’s Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Dublin were alerted by a 999/112 call to an incident on board a small fishing vessel south of Ardmore, Co. Waterford.

“The report was that a male onboard the fishing vessel had a leg injury inflicted by a bite from a shark,” said a spokesperson.

A coordinated effort was conducted by Ballycotton RNLI all weather lifeboat, Youghal RNLI inshore lifeboat and the Waterford-based Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 117.

“The male casualty was winched on board on Rescue 117 and taken to Cork University Hospital and handed over into the care of the HSE,” concluded the spokesperson.

It’s understood the man’s injuries are serious but not life-threatening.

Commenting on the incident Coxswain on duty for Ballycotton RNLI, Eolan Walsh, said: “This was a well-coordinated multi-agency response, with Ballycotton RNLI, Youghal RNLI and Rescue 117 working together to ensure that the casualty received urgent medical assistance as quickly and safely as possible. Our crew were pleased to be able to support the operation and remain on scene while the casualty was transferred for emergency treatment and we wish the casualty a full recovery.”