Caitriona Lucas, originally from Ballyvaughan, Clare, yesterday died while volunteering on a search and recovery mission in Kilkee. The librarian and mother of two was part of a three person search team, when, on the return to land, the boat got into difficulty and capsized.
Tributes have been pouring in for the volunteer coast guard and an investigation is being launched into this tragic accident. Caitriona volunteered with the Doolin Coast Guard as part of the Irish Coast Guard alongside her husband, Bernard Lucas. She is, unfortunately, the first volunteer to die on such a mission. The team had been searching for local missing teacher David McMahon since Friday. Manager of Voluntary Services with the Irish Coast Guard, Declan Geoghegan, spoke to RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland this morning:
That crew then had radioed around midday that they had completed and they were ready to return to base, and very soon after that they broadcast a mayday call.
When speaking about the mayday call, Geoghegan said:
They didn't get very much information on the mayday call, so we obviously have to listen to it again in greater detail, as far as I understand it was just the mayday itself which indicated they were in grave and imminent danger.
Such remarkable courage and heroism in the service of others is rarely equalled and never surpassed. On behalf of myself and my Department I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Caitriona – a woman who made the ultimate sacrifice in her service to others.
Tributes are being paid to the heroic volunteer coast guard:
So sad. These volunteers who risk their lives to save strangers are the ultimate heroes. #RIP #Kilkee https://t.co/6l8US82sZr
— Tracey Kennedy (@Tracey_Cork) September 13, 2016
Our thoughts today are with all those affected by the tragedy in Kilkee today. https://t.co/FvdE1lwdTJ
— Cllr Ken O'Flynn (@kennethnoflynn) September 13, 2016
Tragic news for our colleague in Kilkee and Doolin. RIP.
— Achill Coast Guard (@AchillCGUnit) September 12, 2016
A sad day for Kilkee. Our thoughts are with the family. https://t.co/5t8lV0ngC6
— Doonbeg Ireland (@DoonbegIreland) September 13, 2016
Yesterday in Cobh. 300 Athletes.
— James Shelley (@ShelleyJHS) September 12, 2016
All crossed 1600m safe
Coast guard support
Will miss one in Kilkee.#RIP#Respect pic.twitter.com/6PxcqZ2DVh
Both the Irish Coast Guard and Minister Ross extended their well wishes to the other two members of the crew as they recover in hospital after this horrific accident.
Investigation Under Way Following Tragedy
Geoghegan suspects that the inflatable boat the crew were in was hit by a wave, but "wouldn't like to speculate until we've dealt with the investigation".
The three members of the crew were in the water, with two of the members being air-lifted. Jenny Canway was rescued from the water, and other member James Lucey was rescued from a nearby cave. Caitriona, unfortnately, lost her life, and was rescued after one hour of being in the water. In a statement about this tragedy, the first of its kind, the Irish Coast Guard said:
A RIB from Kilkee Coast Guard Unit, is believed to have capsized and the 3 occupants (2 female and 1 male) entered the water. Valentia Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Centre immediately launched a major Search and Rescue operation. The 2 females were located and recovered from the water, one by Rescue Helicopter based in Shannon (R115), and the 2nd by Delta RIB. Both were taken to hospital where Ms Lucas was pronounced dead.
Minister Shane Ross also released a statement regarding the accident, summarising the feeling on this tragedy, "Caitriona was a member of that extraordinary group of men and women who dedicate their skills, time and passion so that others may be safe on our coastlines.This is an appalling tragedy; the loss of a brave and valiant woman engaged in the most heroic of and unselfish of duties."
You can listen to the full conversation with David Geoghegan on RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland here.
