Clifden and Achill RNLI respond to multi-agency search operation

The call-out came at 10.30pm when members of the public reported seeing a distress flare launched in an area of water between Renvyle and Clare Island.

Over a number of hours, RNLI volunteer crew on three lifeboats and Coast Guard colleagues carried out a comprehensive search of a large area of sea. With no sightings or further reports of anyone in distress all assets were stood down around 1.15am and prepared to return to station.

Clifden’s Atlantic 85 did not return to base however because the crew were re-tasked to additional call at Killary Harbour. Two hikers had descended Mweelrea Mountain, were stranded on the rocky shore and couldn’t find their boat in the darkness. Clifden’s inshore lifeboat crew were able to locate the hikers, once assured they were uninjured and in good spirits they transported the casualties back to shore at the south side of Killary Harbour. The casualties were very grateful for the assistance of the lifeboat crew as they had been stuck for hours on the rocks in the darkness and they were in a very dangerous predicament.

Fergal Conneely, Clifden RNLI Launch Authority said; “I want to say a huge thanks to our volunteers for a long night, it was 3.30am when some of crew were going home for a few hours sleep and then into work today. It can be a big sacrifice being an RNLI volunteer but it is one we accept willingly and with pride. If you find yourself in an emergency situation or spot someone else in trouble, please always call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard. We are ready to respond 24/7 to help save lives at sea.

During this operation Clifden’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat was helmed by David Barry with his daughter Caroline Barry, Ronan Mullen and Sean Pryce as crew. Alan Pryce was Coxswain on Clifden’s all weather lifeboat with crew Joe Acton, David O’Reilly, Tom Guy, Shane Conneely and Alan Kearney as crew. On Achill’s all weather lifeboat Patrick Mc Namara was Coxswain, with Declan Corrigan, Terry Hogarth, Stephen Mc Geral, Thomas Ruddy, Kevin Cattigan and Shane Guthrie as crew.

Not long after resetting from a busy night saving lives at sea, the Clifden crew were out again. Tasked this morning, Tuesday 25th August at 11am to assist a broken down vessel East of Carraig na Rón. James Mullen helmed Clifden’s inshore lifeboat with crew Sean Pryce, Dara Wallace and Shane Conneely as crew. After an assessment was carried out and due to the vessel causing a navigational hazard, a decision was taken to tow the boat to safety in Clifden Bay.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Mella Walsh, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Ireland, [email protected]

Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Ireland, 087 648 3547, [email protected]

Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Ireland, 087 125 4124, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [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 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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