Clifden RNLI respond to emergency beacon

The volunteer crew of Clifden’s All Weather Lifeboat (ALB) and Atlantic 85 lifeboat were tasked just after noon by Malin Head Coast Guard. The lifeboat crew, along with Cleggan Coast Guard were requested to immediately launch following an activation of an EPIRB registered to a 6 meter fishing vessel in Ballyconneely Bay.

EPIRB stands for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon and is a device used on boats to alert search and rescue services in the event of an emergency.

The Atlantic 85 was launched by launch vehicle driver Ian Shanahan under the command of Helm Owen Hayes, with Gerard Claffey, Shane Conneely and Darragh Wallace as crew.

The ALB also slipped her moorings under the command of James Mullen, with Joe Acton, Daniel Whelan, Kenny Flaherty and Tom Guy as crew.

Both lifeboats made best speed to the position of the emergency beacon and along route it was established that the EPIRB was accidentally activated and all assets were stood down, returning to base at 13:30pm.

James Mullen, Clifden RNLI Coxswain commented, 'Emergency beacons are so important for any sea-going vessel. I would remind all boat owners who carry an EPIRB on their vessel to check the registration details are up to date and that everyone onboard knows what to do in an emergency.

'Always take weather and tide times into account before venturing out, always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity and always carry a means of communication. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 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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