Sligo Bay RNLI launched its inshore lifeboat at 10.31am on Monday morning (15 September) in Force 8 winds following reports that a boat was adrift in the channel off Rosses Point.
Several calls were made to the Irish Coast Guard by concerned members of the public who spotted the vessel in stormy seas. At the time of launching, it was unclear whether there was anyone on board.
On arrival at the scene, the crew assessed the situation and observed that the boat was adrift with no one aboard.
To avoid a navigational hazard, it was determined that the safest option was to tow the vessel to the nearest safe harbour.
One crew member was transferred on to the vessel to help steer while the lifeboat towed the boat safely into the marina in Sligo Town.
Speaking after the call-out, Daryl Ewing, Sligo Bay RNLI helm said: “Conditions were challenging today with the wind hitting gale force at times, causing a lot of spray and white water and approximately one metre of swell.
“We pulled alongside to check but thankfully no one was onboard. As the boat was posing a risk to safe navigation for other boats, we took her under tow into safe berthing in Sligo town.
“We would like to thank the members of the public who raised the alarm this morning, that is always the right thing to do.
“With the poor weather we are encountering at the minute, we would encourage boat owners with vessels in the water to do a check if it is safe to do so and ensure their boat is secure.”
