
Clifden RNLI assist three divers in difficulty
Clifden volunteer crew launched both lifeboats yesterday afternoon to assist three divers who had experienced a rapid ascent near Friar Island.
The crew were tasked at approx 4.15 yesterday (Thursday 11 July) to reports of divers in difficulty a mile to the south of Inishbofin. The crew launched their Atlantic 85 lifeboat Joyce King, helmed by Owen Hayes with crew Chris Nee and Conor O Malley as crew and made their way to the scene. Clifden's all weather lifeboat followed under John Mullen as Coxswain with Joe Acton, Dave Reilly, Caroline Barry, and Shane Conneely as crew.
The 85 lifeboat crew arrived first on scene and came alongside the dive boat to escort the group back to the pier in Inishbofin. At this point Clifden's ALB, St Christopher was stood down as the operation was under control. Our 85 lifeboat crew, along with members of the local community helped the divers from the dive boat to the airstrip on Inishbofin where they were airlifted by Sligo based helicopter R118 to University Hospital Galway for hyperbaric treatment.
Speaking about the shout, Clifden RNLI Helm Owen Hayes said, “At this time of year we expect to see people enjoying water sports and boating activities around our coasts. We want everyone to enjoy the water and come home safely, please always remember to wear a lifejacket when out on the water, always carry a mobile phone or VHF radio to call for help in an emergency. Never delay if you think someone is in trouble in the water, every minute counts, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard and our crew in Clifden will respond, 24/7."
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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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