THE AIR ACCIDENT Investigations Unit (AAIU) will carry out a preliminary investigation into the rescue of two teenagers from the water at Hook Head over the weekend.

A 15-year-old Dublin girl remains in a critical condition in hospital after she and and a boy were swept into the water at Hook Head in Co Wexford.

The Coast Guard received a call from a member of the public just after 2pm on Sunday saying that a number of youths were in the water. The Waterford-based helicopter was tasked and two casualties were taken from the water at 2.20pm.

In the process of that rescue, it is believed that the winchman made the decision to take both teens into the helicopter amid fears one might drown.

A witness said the teenage girl had gone under the water a number of times, but the boy swam to her and “kept both of their heads above the water”.

Reports vary as to whether the girl, who was unconscious, fell 15 or 30 feet when she slipped from the grasp of the winchman.

Today, the AAIU said it will carry out a preliminary review of the incident to see if it warrants a full investigation.

“The AAIU received direct notification from the Operator regarding a winching incident that occurred on 6 December.

As per our normal procedure, the AAIU is conducting an initial review of the circumstances of the occurrence in order to determine the level of AAIU involvement and as to whether it will be the subject of an AAIU investigation or not.

Read: Teenage girl in critical condition after being swept into the water at Hook Head