An unsettling incident unfolded a few nights ago at Tarbert Pier, drawing attention to the precarious nature of the surroundings. A young Irish-American tourist, currently on a journey through the West of Ireland, found himself in an unfortunate predicament that led to a near-drowning experience while awaiting the ss Shannon, bound for Limerick from Kilrush.

The incident occurred due to the unevenness of the pier at that location. In a moment of misstep, the tourist stumbled and accidentally fell into the dock, just as the tide was receding. The situation quickly turned dire, but his cries for help reached the ears of the crew of a nearby boat that was waiting for the incoming steamer.

Responding promptly to his distress, the boat’s crew swiftly executed a rescue operation, managing to extricate the young man from his perilous position amidst the mud and water. Thanks to their timely intervention, a potentially tragic outcome was averted. The tourist emerged from the ordeal with only a discomforting experience, ultimately continuing his journey to Kilrush relatively unharmed by the accident.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when navigating potentially hazardous environments such as piers, where seemingly minor missteps can escalate into life-threatening situations.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 31 October 1905