The Valentia Coast Guard told Radio Kerry that they have had reports of jet skiers off Cork Harbour during Hurricane Ophelia.
The public has been repeatedly warned by Coast Guard and Gardaí alike to refrain from visiting coastal areas or waterways during the storm. However, footage has been captured of people swimming off the coast of Galway — not only that, but the Irish Coast Guard has had to rescue kite surfers off the coast of Louth.
John Draper, of the Valentia Coast Guard, is furious at the behaviour of these individuals and points out that they are putting the lives of those who may be called upon to rescue them at risk.
“We’re really just saying to everybody, stay indoors. If you’re talking about surfers or jet skiers who are intent on going out, they are putting people’s lives at risk because we have to send someone out there to rescue them, and it’s something they should be cognisant of.”
“They are putting other people’s lives at risk in that situation, so.”
Three fatalities have already been reported as a result of Hurricane Ophelia — one in Waterford, one in Tipperary, and one in Dundalk.
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