Clifden RNLI rescue visiting sailors in early morning call-out

The pagers went off at 3.40am Thursday 25th June and both Clifden’s lifeboats were launched shortly after. Weather conditions at the time were favourable, with calm seas.

David Barry was coxswain on Clifden’s Shannon class all weather lifeboat, with his daughter Caroline Barry, Alan Kearney, Neil Gallery and Shane Conneelly as crew. The inshore lifeboat was helmed by Joe Acton with Sean Pryce, Chris Nee and Dave O'Reilly on board.

Once on scene the lifeboat crew quickly assessed the situation, the sailing boat had come off her mooring and had gone aground on a rocky stretch of coast. The lifeboat crew worked together in the darkness to establish tow-line and guide the sailing boat to a new, secure mooring in the harbour. Both sailors were unharmed and very grateful for the assistance.

Speaking about the operation, Michael Barrett, Clifden RNLI Launch Authority said; 'I’d like to thank our volunteer crew who left their beds early yesterday morning and worked together to ensure a good outcome for these sailors.

'We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful beaches and coastal attractions around Connemara, especially with this current spell of good weather, but please do so safely. Nobody intends to get in trouble on the water but always call 999/112 and ask for the Coast Guard at the first sign of distress, Clifden RNLI are ready to respond 24/7.

'If you are going to sea always wear a lifejacket, always carry a means of communication and let someone know where you are going and when you are due back. Taking these precautions could save your life'

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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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