Donate now

Crew of nine rescued by Galway RNLI after boat runs aground in Ballyvaughan Bay

Lifeboats News Release

A crew of nine were rescued by Galway RNLI last night (Tuesday 24 August) after their 6.5m rigid inflatable boat ran aground in Ballyvaughan Bay.

RNLI/Galway

Galway RNLI

With the boat’s propeller and engine damaged, the crew used VHF communications to alert the Irish Coast Guard who immediately sought the assistance of Galway RNLI's inshore lifeboat.

The lifeboat launched from Galway Docks at about 10pm. Conditions were calm and dark when the lifeboat crew located the stricken vessel some 20 minutes later. All nine crew on board were wearing lifejackets and did not need any medical assistance.

Galway RNLI's volunteer lifeboat crew of Helm Brian Nilan, James Rhattigan, Dave McGrath and Cathal Bryne took the boat in tow to Parkmore Pier near Kinvara.

Galway RNLI Deputy Launching Authority Seán Óg Leydon said: 'The crew of the vessel acted quickly by dropping anchor straight away and contacting the Irish Coast Guard.'

Ends

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.

Categories