Fireman jumps from bridge to save woman in dramatic river rescue

A fireman has jumped from a bridge into a raging river to perform a dramatic rescue of a woman in Limerick this evening.

Fireman jumps from bridge to save woman in dramatic river rescue

A fireman has jumped from a bridge into a raging river to perform a dramatic rescue of a woman in Limerick this evening.

Eli Brace (left), who jumped off Shannon bridge this evening, and Colm Costelloe of the Swiftwater Rescue Team. (Picture: Sean Curtin)

The young woman, believed to be in her 20s, and from Garryowen, entered the River Shannon at around 5:30pm.

According to an eyewitness, a fireman attached to Limerick City Fire and Rescue Service jumped from Sarsfield Bridge and held the woman in the water until they were met by a rescue boat.

The Shannon based Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter -- which was already performing an exercise in the vicinity -- was dispatched to the scene.

"The helicopter sent the winchman down to the woman but they couldn't get to her. The fireman then jumped off the bridge and swam to her. They were picked up by a rescue boat that was launched from St Michael's Boat Club," the eyewitness said.

"It was all mental stuff," the man added.

(Picture: Sean Curtin)

A spokesperson for Limerick City Fire and Rescue Service said: "We dispatched three units at 17:35pm and they were back at the station at 6:10pm. One of our members jumped in. She was saved."

"The helicopter was in the area and helped out in the rescue. I don't think the person was in the water for very long, so I don't think they were seriously injured," a Garda source added.

An ambulance took the woman from the scene to University Hospital Limerick.

She is believed to be in a stable condition.

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