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File photo of Coast Guard crew Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

Young woman who fell into cave is rescued in Co Mayo

The woman had suspected spinal injuries as a result of the fall.

A YOUNG WOMAN was rescued yesterday by the coast guard in Co Mayo after she fell into a cave.

The Westport Coast Guard Unit were tasked by Malin CGR at around 3.45pm to respond to an incident at Maxwell’s Leap near Old Head Beach.

They said that the woman had fallen into a cave and was attended to by the beach life guards, who suspected she had spinal injuries.

Westport Coast Guard D-Class boat, Achill Lifeboat, Mayo Mountain Rescue and the Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 115 were sent to the scene to provide assistance.

The conditions were described as “very testing and challenging”. A spokesperson for the Department of Transport said that VHF communications between the rescue services was seriously restricted due to the location of the incident site, and that an ambulance was on standby at the top of the cliff but unable to enter the cave.

The Achill Lifeboat’s XP inflatable and the Westport Coast Guard D-Class went into the cave along with the Rescue 115 winchman to assist the lifeguards.

The team assessed the woman and secured her to a spinal board/stretcher. She was then transferred along with the winchman to the Achill Lifeboat.

She was prepared for an ‘underway hi-line medivac’ to the Coast Guard helicopter for transfer to hospital.

Read: Coastguard and RNLI help teen who became “very unwell” during angling trip>

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9 Comments
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    Mute Just Di
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    Aug 29th 2013, 10:26 AM

    Achill life boat busy these days. Well done to all the volunteers on all life boat services. Hope the girl makes a good recovery.

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    Mute Barry Aston
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    Aug 29th 2013, 10:46 AM

    That spot is paradise in Ireland. Watched it develop as a kid from being a camping spot to a developers hide away. Hope the lady recovers well.

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    Mute Dave palmer
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    Aug 29th 2013, 10:38 AM

    Here is to a successful return to full health for the girl ! In a cave ? Must have been sent there by pat rabbite to collect the broadcasting charge !

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    Mute Michelle Mc Loughney
    Favourite Michelle Mc Loughney
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    Aug 29th 2013, 11:28 AM

    Lovely part of this beautiful country. Poor girl, speedy recovery I hope. What a nightmare, falling into a cave.Yikes.

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    Mute Jason Bourne
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    Aug 29th 2013, 2:53 PM

    Was the cave in Mayo aswell or did she fall into a cave somewhere and resurface in Mayo? Cant be sure with the headline : )

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    Mute Audrey Ó Nuadháin
    Favourite Audrey Ó Nuadháin
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    Aug 29th 2013, 4:59 PM

    Coffee just came out my nose when I read your comment and laughed! Thanks for that!!

    Speedy recovery to the young lady!

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    Mute wongstie
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    Aug 29th 2013, 10:26 AM

    “She had spinal injuries”… Before she fell in?

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    Mute Jack Dooner
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    Aug 29th 2013, 10:29 AM

    What do you think?

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    Mute James Sheridan
    Favourite James Sheridan
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    Aug 30th 2013, 2:18 AM

    #Mayo4sam

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