Achill Island RNLI launch to assist man in sinking boat in multi-agency rescue
Achill Island RNLI were requested by the Irish Coast Guard to come to the aid of a man on board a small boat which was taking on water and was sinking close to Old Head shortly before 3pm yesterday afternoon (Monday), 18 August. It was the second launch for the volunteer crew in two days.
The alarm was raised by the man on his boat which ensured that a multi-agency rescue was put in place, with the lifeguards at Old Head, also providing assistance.
The lifeboat crew quickly assembled and the ‘Sam and Ada Moody’ launched with 8 crew on board. The launch took place 2 hours after high tide with a southeast wind and moderate sea conditions. While the lifeboat was underway the crew were informed by the Irish Coast Guard that the crew of the Westport based Irish Coast Guard unit were able to render assistance and bring the man to safety. The man was looked after by the Westport Coast Guard volunteers and the lifeguards at Old Head beach. At that stage the Achill Island RNLI all-weather lifeboat and the Achill based Coast Guard unit were both stood down.
Speaking after the call out, Achill Island RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Eilish Power, said: “This is an excellent example of multiple agencies working together and resulting in a very positive outcome. We want to commend the man who did everything right, and for his quick thinking in making the call for help. We also want to thank our Coast Guard colleagues and the lifeguards on duty, for rescuing him and looking after him so well. We wish the man well after his ordeal.” Eilish continued: “Despite the best made preparations, anyone can find themselves in need of assistance. Our advice is to never hesitate to make that call for help. It is much better for help to be on the way than for a situation to deteriorate without anyone knowing and possibly ending in tragedy. If you see someone in help on or near the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
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For more information, please contact Eilish Power, Achill Island RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0872075203, email [email protected], or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 087 1254 124 or [email protected] or Treasa Ni Bhraonain, RNLI Communications Placement on 0874764436 or [email protected].
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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 the Irish region. The RNLI is independent of Coast Guard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.
RNLI at 200
In 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.
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 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 146,700 lives.
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