Angler Airlifted After Shark Attack off Irish Coast

WATERFORD, Ireland — A blue shark mauled the leg of an angler aboard a pleasure craft off the coast of County Waterford on Tuesday, requiring an emergency airlift to Cork University Hospital. Sebastian Achim, 27, of Dungarvan, was fishing with four others approximately 6.5 kilometers from Ram Head, Ardmore, when the incident occurred.

Achim had caught a 1.5-meter blue shark, his first such catch, and was preparing to release it back into the water. The shark then lunged at him on the boat's deck, biting his calf and ripping away a portion of muscle and bone, he told The Irish Times on Wednesday.

"I thought, 'I'm not going to make it,'" Achim said, recalling his fear during the attack. He attempted to stem the blood flow with a rope as the crew called for assistance. He lost consciousness before being rescued.

Blue sharks are common in Irish waters between June and October, growing up to three meters in length, according to Inland Fisheries Ireland. Achim said fishing was his passion and that he had long wanted to fish for blue sharks.

Emergency services launched a coordinated response. The Dublin Coast Guard requested Ballycotton RNLI at 4:16 p.m.; its all-weather Trent-class lifeboat, The Austin Lidbury, launched at 4:30 p.m. Youghal RNLI and Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 117 also responded to the vessel.

Ballycotton RNLI arrived on scene at approximately 5:10 p.m. to find calm sea conditions and good visibility. Rescue 117 subsequently winched Achim from the boat and transported him to Cork University Hospital for urgent medical attention.

Achim credited the helicopter rescue for saving his life. "The helicopter helped a lot — it's probably the reason why I'm still okay," he said. He expects to remain in hospital for several days.

Despite the attack, Achim said no one, including the shark, was at fault. "It could happen to anyone," he said, expressing hope that his experience would raise awareness about safety precautions.

Achim said he will stop fishing for blue sharks following the incident. He did not, however, advise others to stop — only urging them to exercise greater caution.

Achim credited the helicopter rescue for saving his life. "The helicopter helped a lot — it's probably the reason why I'm still okay," he said. He expects to remain in hospital for several days.

Despite the attack, Achim said no one, including the shark, was at fault. "It could happen to anyone," he said, expressing hope that his experience would raise awareness about safety precautions.

Achim said he will stop fishing for blue sharks following the incident. He did not, however, advise others to stop — only urging them to exercise greater caution.