Aran Islands RNLI comes to the aid of five people on 42ft yacht in difficulty
Aran Islands RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were asked to launch at 9.24am this morning (Friday 14 August) by the Irish Coast Guard following a report that a 42ft yacht with five onboard had taken a rope in its propeller 20 miles West of Earrach Island North West of Kilronan Harbour.
The all-weather Severn class lifeboat launched under Coxswain John O'Donnell and a full crew and headed straight for the yacht.
Weather conditions at the time of launching were good with calm seas and good visibility.
Once on scene, the volunteer crew, following all strict COVID-19 safety guidelines, assessed all aboard the yacht were not in need of any medical attention and a tow line was established between the lifeboat and the yacht.
The lifeboat then proceeded to tow the yacht safely back to Kilronan Harbour.
Speaking after the call out, Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain John O'Donnell said:
'The crew members responded to the call out quickly and were able to get to the yacht before it drifted any further and were able to tow her safely into Kilronan Harbour. The crew train regularly to respond to a call out as quick as possible.
'As the good weather and summer holidays continue, we encourage everyone to always respect the water. Always wear a lifejacket, always carry a means of communication and make sure everyone knows how to use it. Make sure someone on the shore knows where you are going and when you are due back.
If you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'
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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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