During a dramatic incident amid Storm Kathleen’s wrath in Ireland, a young girl was rescued from being swept out to sea off the east pier of Dun Laoghaire Harbour, Co Dublin, thanks to air pockets in her coat that kept her afloat. The RNLI lifeboat volunteers reached her within eight and a half minutes of receiving the emergency call, facing stormy conditions with high winds and rough seas. The girl, who remained calm and alert through the ordeal, was later taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The operation, described by volunteer Andrew Sykes as difficult due to the adverse weather, saw the crew effectively utilizing their skills and readiness to perform the rescue. The Coast Guard, RNLI, Garda, ambulance service, Dublin fire brigade, and the Coast Guard’s Rescue 116 helicopter were all involved in the successful operation, with local politicians commending the teams for their heroic efforts.

Meanwhile, Storm Kathleen has led to widespread disruption across the UK, with the Met Office issuing warnings for 65mph gales and the Environment Agency placing numerous flood warnings and alerts. Severe weather conditions, including a van driver being rescued from the roof of his vehicle and significant travel disruption, have been reported. Further challenges are anticipated as more severe weather is expected, including strong winds, heavy rain, and potential damage to buildings and transport delays.

In West Sussex, the River Arun bursting its banks prompted the evacuation of Medmerry holiday park and the hospitalization of one person for hypothermia. With ongoing coastal and tidal flooding warnings and an unsettled weather forecast, authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and prepared for more extreme weather conditions.