Clifden RNLI tow a stricken yacht with two sailors aboard to safety
Clifden RNLI’s volunteer crew launched both lifeboats yesterday (Sunday, 21 August 2022) to reports of a yacht in difficulty 3 miles north west of Slyne Head.
The Atlantic 85 in-shore lifeboat launched at 2.20pm under the command of Joseph Acton with crew members Chris Nee and Alan Kearney, followed closely by the Shannon Class, all-weather lifeboat (ALB), St Christopher. John Mullen was coxswain of the ALB with crew members Alvin Bell; Andy Bell, John Heffernan and Ash Sweeney.
Both lifeboats arrived at the casualty vessel by 2.45pm; the yacht, which had two people on board, was unable to make headway because ropes were caught in the propeller. The lifeboat crew removed some rope but were unable to completely free the propeller and shaft. The safest course of action was to establish a towline and bring the casualty vessel and her crew back to Clifden Bay. The stricken yacht was then towed by Clifden RNLI’s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat and moored safely in Clifden Bay by 4.30pm.
John Mullen, Clifden RNLI Coxswain said; The yachtsmen in question did the right thing in calling for assistance and we were happy to be able to bring them to safety. It’s very important to be prepared when boating or yachting; always wear a lifejacket, have a means of calling for help and check the weather and the tides to help ensure you get to your destination safely. In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."
ENDS
Photo: Clifden RNLI lifeboats tow a stricken yacht to safety 21_08_2022
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Mella Walsh, Clifden RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0897025993, email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 00353 87 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Media Manager on 00353 87 1254 124 or [email protected]
RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 46 lifeboat stations in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.
Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, the charity has saved over 142,200 lives.
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.