A MAN OUT fishing for lobsters was dramatically rescued yesterday evening after becoming entangled in his own ropes.

This happened on Inishinny, a tiny island near to Arranmore Island off the coast of Donegal.

A rescue call went out for the man – who was believed to be lobster fishing – just before 6pm.

This was picked up by Malin Head rescue coordination centre and a Sligo-based Coast Guard helicopter was notified and arrived at the scene at around 6.30pm.

Inishinny in Donegal Source: Google Maps

Bunbeg Coast Guard and Arranmore Lifeboats also took part in the operation.

A heavy swell around the piece of land the man was trapped on – and the fact that he had become caught in his ropes – made the rescue effort all the more difficult.

Speaking about the incident, a Coast Guard spokesperson said the fact the man was wearing his lifejacket had been crucial in saving his life.

“As was the excellent skill of the helicopter crew, and especially the winchman, when dealing with the situation,” they went on.

The rescued man was transferred to Letterkenny University Hospital (formerly Letterkenny General Hospital) and was in good spirits this morning.  

Read: Mystery emergency signal sends coastguard on chase around Dun Laoghaire

Also: Three fishermen rescued by helicopter after boat capsizes in sea