Clifden RNLI rescues lone sailor after yacht runs aground in Clifden Bay
Clifden RNLI received a launch request from the Irish Coast Guard at 7.16pm yesterday evening to assist a yacht gone aground in the Clifden Bay area.
The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched and helm David Barry, along with volunteer crew Ian Shanahan, Brian Ward and Owen Hayes quickly located the 23ft yacht which was stranded on a rocky piece of shoreline.
The lone sailor onboard was uninjured and after communication with the lifeboat crew, they agreed to tow the yacht from its location.
Clifden's all-weather lifeboat and the Rescue 118 helicopter from Sligo were also requested to assist, but both were stood down when the yacht was successfully under tow.
Speaking following the call out, Clifden RNLI Helm David Barry said: 'We returned the sailor and his yacht to a mooring in Clifden Bay and were glad to have been able to respond so quickly to a vessel in need of assistance.'
Ends
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Catherine Pryce, Clifden RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at [email protected] or contact 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]
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.