Clifden RNLI launch lifeboats in darkness to reports of person in the water

Clifden’s lifeboats were tasked to conduct a search around High Island and Friar Island where the man's boat had foundered. Clifden’s All-weather lifeboat crew found a lifejacket in the search area.

By 9.45pm it was established that the man was a lone sailor who had tried to swim ashore when his boat began to founder. The man was safely recovered from the water by a couple out walking and was taken to a nearby house. He is believed to have been in the water for four to five hours and was in a weakened state when coming ashore.

A multi-agency approach was immediately instigated when the alarm was raised involving the RNLI, Cleggan Coast Guard, the Ambulance service and the Rescue 118 helicopter from Sligo, which eventually transferred the casualty to Mayo General Hospital.

Clifden RNLI Coxswain James Mullen said 'This was a difficult launch in darkness coupled with the urgency of responding to a person in the water. We coordinated 14 volunteers to put three lifeboats to sea in record time and worked with all the other agencies involved for a successful outcome. Huge thanks are due also to the couple out walking who assisted the man and immediately sought shelter for him.’

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For more information please contact Catherine Pryce Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for 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]

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