
Clifden RNLI assist a broken-down vessel with three people on board
The volunteer crew were called out yesterday, Sunday 19 March to assist a vessel suffering mechanical failure near Inish Turk, County Galway.
At midday yesterday Clifden’s Atlantic 85 Inshore lifeboat launched under the command of Helm James Mullen with Joe Acton and Kenny Flaherty as crew and Shane Conneely as Tractor Driver. A call had come in from a local fisherman John O Toole about a small boat with three passengers which had lost power near Inish Turk.
Conditions yesterday were poor with limited visibility and heavy rain, the casualty vessel was reportedly drifting towards the rocks on Inish Turk. The volunteer crew made their way to the location in less than 5 minutes, by this time the fisherman had begun to tow the stricken vessel away from the rocks. The lifeboat crew proceeded to escort both boats to safety.
Speaking about the shout Clifden RNLI Helm James Mullen said, “I would like to commend John O Toole for his fast actions yesterday. This could have been a very serious outcome for the three passengers involved but John called for assistance firstly, located the boat and was in a position to safely assist them.
James also has the following advice for anyone going afloat, “When going to sea we would remind everyone to check their engine and fuel, always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, and carry a means of calling for help. If you see someone in difficulty on or near the water, dial 999 and ask for the Coast Guard."
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.
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