Ballyglass RNLI in 10 hour call out to assist three fishermen
Ballyglass RNLI has rescued three fishermen off the Mayo coast this morning, following a 10 hour call out.
The fishermen were on a 75ft vessel when they got into difficulty north east of Downpatrick Head.
The lifeboat under Coxswain John Walsh and with four crew members onboard launched within minutes and made its way to the scene some six miles north of Killala.
Weather conditions at the time were described as good with a north westerly Force 3 wind blowing.
Once on scene, the lifeboat crew observed that no one was in any immediate danger and began to work with the three fishermen to set up a towline.
With a tow in place, the lifeboat began the slow passage towards Killybegs in County Donegal. The weather conditions freshened as the night entered morning.
As the lifeboat approached Killybegs at 3am, it was met by a tug at Rotten Island and the tow was passed over. The tug proceeded to bring the fishing vessel the remaining distance into the harbour at Killybegs.
With all safe and well, the lifeboat crew began their return journey arriving back at Ballyglass at six o’clock this morning (Monday 25 April).
Speaking following the call out, Agatha Hurst, Ballyglass RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘We would like to commend the member of the public who observed from the shore that the fishing vessel was experiencing some problems. It was a long call out for our volunteers but they were more than happy to work throughout the night to ensure the crew and their vessel was safely returned to shore.’
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RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Agatha Hurst, Ballyglass RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0876482793, email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Ireland on 0876483547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Ireland on 0871254124 or 018900460 or email [email protected]
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