Clifden RNLI all-weather lifeobat tows naval vessel LE Orla in training exercise

In calm conditions, RNLI volunteers and Naval crew cooperated on a number of training exercises, beginning with a 'man overboard' scenario, in which the casualty was transferred by hoist from the LE Orla to the RNLI Mersey all weather lifeboat Fishermans Friend. A rigid inflatable boat (RIB)  from the naval vessel was then recovered in the water and towed by the Clifden Atlantic 85 lifeboat helmed by Daniel Whelan with crew John Mullen, Gerry Claffey and Michael Carey.

Next up was a salvage operation exercise, where the lifeboat crew used their salvage pump onboard the Naval vessel which was supposedly adrift at the time.

Clifden RNLI Coxswain David Barry explains 'It was at this point it occurred to me that as part of a salvage operation we would normally tow the vessel in question so I requested permission to tow. After a brief pause, Captain Phil Diker granted permission to tow and we proceeded to tow the 750 ton LE Orla at 1500 revs and 3.2 knots. Andrew Bell and Sinead Pryce remained on the Mersey with me, while David O Reilly,  and Alvin Bell were on board the LE Orla.'

Admittedly, conditions were very calm at the time, but we were all really delighted to have been able to successfully carry out a brief tow. In poorer conditions, we might have been able to at least keep the ship nose to sea. Overall, the day's exercises were a huge success for the whole crew and we are really grateful to the Irish Naval Service for facilitating these invaluable exercises'.

To round off the exercise session, three Navy divers were recovered from the water by both lifeboats. Since the introduction of all all weather lifeboat to Clifden, the volunteer crew have undertaken many hours of advanced and innovative exercise scenarios intended to give the crew experience and competence. This opportunity to cooperate with the Irish Naval Service was certainly a highlight of the exercises of 2016 to date.

Ends

Further information
For more information please contact Catherine Pryce Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Clifden RNLI Tel: 086-400 6666 or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Tel: 087 1254 124 / 01 8900 460 email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Tel: 087 6483547 email: [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.