Late this morning, a distressing climbing incident in North Clare necessitated urgent action as a man was severely injured and subsequently airlifted to safety. The accident unfolded at approximately 12:30 PM near Fanore More, a known haven for rock climbing enthusiasts along the scenic coast road.
The event occurred when two seasoned climbers were navigating a challenging rock face. Tragically, a loose rock dislodged, striking one of the climbers and causing him to plummet roughly 5 meters down. His partner, witnessing the harrowing scene, immediately contacted emergency services for help.
Responding promptly, an ambulance alongside an advanced paramedic unit rushed to the location. The terrain’s complexity, about a kilometer from any accessible road, led paramedics to call for further assistance from the Irish Coast Guard. The coordination for the rescue was managed by the Coast Guard’s marine rescue center in Kerry, which facilitated the dispatch of both the local Doolin unit and a Shannon-based search and rescue helicopter.
As medical personnel provided initial treatment, the Coast Guard’s Rescue 115 helicopter managed to land near the site. The injured climber was carefully loaded onto the helicopter with assistance from Coast Guard officials and flown to University Hospital Galway. Fortunately, initial assessments suggest the injuries, while serious, are not life-threatening.
The site of the incident is not only a popular spot for climbing but also frequented by hikers and various training groups, including Defence Forces and mountain rescue teams, underlining the area’s appeal and inherent risks.
