Bundoran RNLI’s lifeboat volunteers were called on Sunday afternoon (7 July) to aid a RIB in difficulty after suffering engine failure near Mullaghmore in Co Sligo.
The 5.5-metre craft, with one person on board, was in danger of drifting close to the rocks.
Within minutes, the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat William Henry Liddington, with helm Elliot Kearns and crew members Killian O'Kelly, Richard Gillespie and Mark Vaughan, launched and were quickly on the scene, where they observed that the casualty was wearing a lifejacket and had all the correct gear with him.
After assessing the situation, the lifeboat crew deemed an alongside tow was essential to preserve safety to shipping and they proceeded to bring the casualty safely back to the nearby Mullaghmore.
Volunteer lifeboat helm Elliot Kearns said: “When planning a trip to sea, preparation is key, and we would always advise boaters to have basic safety equipment on board and always have a means to call for assistance when required.”
The RNLI advises that if you are planning a trip on the water, tell someone else where you’re going and when you’ll be back. This means that they can raise the alarm with the coastguard by calling 999 or 112 if you are overdue.
File image of Fethard RNLI’s inshore lifeboat | Credit: RNLI/Fethard
Elsewhere, the volunteer lifeboat crew at Fethard RNLI were requested by the coastguard to launch their inshore lifeboat on Thursday evening (4 July) following a report that two kayaks were in difficulty off Hook Head.
There was a strong Force 5 south-westerly wind and choppy sea conditions when vigilant members of the public raised the alarm concerned for the welfare of the kayakers heading west below Hook Lighthouse.
The lifeboat, helmed by John Colfer and with crew members Peter Mullen and Nadia Blanchfield onboard, launched at Slade Harbour and made its way to Hook Head, beginning to search the coastline.
The inshore lifeboat, with the assistance of the Waterford-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117, eventually found the two kayakers on Baginbun Beach after they had successfully navigated their way there.
It emerged that these very experienced seafarers were navigating their way around the Irish coast and were well equipped with food, means of hydration and communications equipment.
Speaking after the call-out, volunteer helm John Colfer said: “It was great to find the two kayakers safe and sound, drinking tea! They were very well equipped and very experienced. They advised us that they will let the coastguard know their future movements to avoid another call-out.”
Colfer added: “We were glad to find these lads well, but we would like to thank the members of the public who made the call. It is better to err on the side of caution. If you do get into difficulty or see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”
