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Clifden RNLI conduct bad weather coastal search

Lifeboats News Release

Yesterday morning (9 January) Clifden RNLI's all-weather lifeboat Fisherman’s Friend was requested to launch at 8.50am by Malin Head Coast Guard to investigate reports of a white light west off Eeshal island that appeared to be in difficulty.

At 9.10am, the all-weather lifeboat was underway to investigate with six volunteer crew on board and in difficult weather conditions of 3-4 metre seas and a south easterly force 7-8 wind.

The boat proceeded to Eeshal island and conducted a thorough search around Omey island, Aughris point and Cruagh island. When nothing was found after some time, Malin Head Coast Guard was satisfied that the light seen was most likely from a 25m fishing vessel that had passed by the area that morning.

Speaking following the call out, Clifden RNLI Coxswain James Mullen said: ‘This call was reported with good intent and we would like to thank the member of the public for their vigilance. Given the prevailing weather conditions this morning, the all-weather boat was an excellent asset and well done to all the crew for assembling and launching so quickly’.

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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.

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