Clifden RNLI Recover Drifting RIB with two on board

The inshore D Class lifeboat Celia Mary travelled by road and launched in Letterfrack and the station's new all weather Shannon lifeboat was also launched for the first time.
The Celia Mary was first on the scene and found two people on a 5.5 metre RIB which had experienced engine failure and it was very close to the rocky shore. The weather conditions were force 6 and worsening at the time. Helm Thomas Davis boarded the boat and after consulting with the people on board, the boat was taken back to shore under tow by volunteer crew members Kenny Flaherty, Ashling Sweeney and Owen Hayes and the pair were dropped safely back to shore.
After the launch, Thomas said 'We were glad to be able to help these people recover their boat today. We also wish to remind all water users in Connemara to contact the Coast Guard or emergency services at the earliest opportunity when things go wrong-we would always rather launch and be stood down than risk other possible outcomes'.

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.