UPDATE: Man airlifted to University Hospital Limerick after falling overboard in Shannon Estuary
The man fell overboard while travelling on the ferry from Tarbert to Killimer this Sunday morning
A MAN has been rescued from the Shannon Estuary after falling overboard on the Tarbert to Killimer ferry this Sunday morning.
He has been airlifted to University Hospital Limerick for treatment for "serious injuries".
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport confirmed to Limerick Live that Coast Guard helicopter R117 has located and recovered a person.
"Shortly after 9.20am, MRSC Valentia received a report that a person had fallen overboard from the ferry.
"An extensive search and rescue mission was initiated immediately, involving a fleet of local vessels, Ballybunion and Kilkee Coast Guard units and Kilrush and Fenit RNLI," said the spokesperson.
They added: "The casualty was located and recovered by the Coast Guard helicopter and has been transferred into the care of the HSE at Limerick University Hospital."
It is understood he was in the estuary for over an hour and a half.
A garda spokesperson said: "Gardaí assisted emergency services in a multi-agency search and rescue operation following reports of a male having entered the water near Tarbert, County Kerry this Sunday morning, September 7.
"The man was recovered from the water by the Irish Coast Guard and has been airlifted to University Hospital Limerick for treatment of serious injuries."