Washed off rocks VALENTIA COAST RADIO STATION made a general broadcast at 1119 on Thursday August 26, 1982, requesting assistance for an angler who had been washed off rocks at 1000 close by Culoo Head, westward along the north coast of Valentia Island; the man was in danger of drowning.

Joseph Houlihan, motor mechanic of Valentia lifeboat who was on leave, was demonstrating a local fishing boat to a prospective buyer off the Coastguard Patch, north of the island. He intercepted the call on VHP and offered his help.

A strong breeze, force 6, gusting to near gale, force 7, was blowing from the west; a very rough sea was running and there was a heavy north-westerly swell.

High water was at 1040.

Joseph Houlihan drove his Fastworker boat, a 150hp flat bottom motor fishing vessel, at best speed to Culoo Head. Arriving at about 1140, he was directed by onlookers towards the angler who was swimming about 25 metres from the shore. The sea was very confused with considerable backwash and surge from the swell, estimated at five to six metres high.

The Fastworker was manoeuvred alongside the man in the water, who was recovered aboard by Michael O'Connor, a crew member, and John O'Connor, the client. After clearing the shoreline Joseph Houlihan stopped the boat, satisfied himself that all was well with the angler and found warm clothing for him.

While returning to Valentia Harbour, Mr Houlihan told the radio station and Valentia lifeboat, which had launched on service at 1130, that all was well, and asked that a doctor and ambulance should meet the boat as a precaution.

The angler was landed into the care of a doctor at Reenard Point Quay at about 1215 and was taken to hospital for a check up.

For this service the thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum were accorded to Motor Mechanic J. Joseph Houlihan and vellum service certificateswere presented to Michael O'Connor and John O'Connor..