Bundoran RNLI responded to a Mayday on Saturday afternoon (18 October) after two kayakers capsized off Inishmurray, off the coast of County Sligo.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat at 12.45pm by Malin Head Coast Guard who had picked up a faint VHF Mayday, initially thought to be off Fintra Bay. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 118 from Sligo was also tasked.
The lifeboat helmed by Richard Gillespie and with Rory O’Connor, Owen Murphy and Finn Mullen onboard, launched immediately and made its way to the scene.
While conditions at the time of launching were calm in Bundoran, the crew observed a noticeable change to a choppy 4-5ft swell as they made their way to the scene where the kayakers were located by the helicopter crew between Inishmurray and Cliffoney Beach. On arrival, the kayakers who were in a double kayak when they capsized due to the change in sea conditions, were being winched by the helicopter crew.
The lifeboat crew were then requested to find a third kayaker and also to retrieve the long double kayak so it wouldn’t pose a navigational hazard. The crew proceeded to locate the third person who was safe and well and making their way to the shore unaided.
Speaking following the call out, Daimon Fergus, Bundoran RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘We would like to commend our colleagues in Malin Head Coast Guard for picking up what was a faint Mayday and for coordinating the rescue. We would like to commend Rescue 118 and wish both kayakers well. Both casualties were wearing the correct gear including drysuits and lifejackets and they had a means to communicate to raise the alarm which are all important.
‘We would encourage those planning a trip to sea in a kayak or canoe to also consider bringing an EPIRB or smoke flares which can greatly assist those searching in being able to reach the specific location. We would also encourage people to let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back.’
