Achill Island RNLI were requested by the Irish Coast Guard to come to the assistance of three surfers in difficulty off Carrownisky, southwest of Louisburgh, shortly before 2pm on Bank Holiday Monday (2 February).
The call for help was made by a concerned member of the public who was observing from the shore.
Sligo’s new AW189 coastguard helicopter, Rescue 118, was also requested to assist, as well as Irish Coast Guard unit at Westport.
The all-weather lifeboat Sam and Ada Moody made haste to the scene in a southerly direction, passing Clare Island to the west, with a crew of six on board. There were Force 6 easterly winds gusting up to Force 8 at the time, with 2-3 metre westerly swells.
On arrival at the scene, the lifeboat crew observed that two of the surfers had already made it safely to shore.
The crew of Rescue 118 winched the other surfer to safety and the lifeboat crew were requested to recover a surfboard which remained in the water. The drifting surfboard was soon located and returned to the Irish Coast Guard, Westport, at Roonagh Pier.
The lifeboat then made its return to Achill Island, happy in the knowledge that all surfers were safe and accounted for.
Speaking after the shout, Achill Island RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer Eilish Power said: “Today’s call-out had a happy and successful ending, thanks to the quick thinking of a member of the public making a call for help.
“The surfers did the right thing in planning their activity and going out on the water as a group, and it is important to remember that sometimes, despite the best made plans, conditions can change resulting in someone needing help.”
Eilish continued: “Our volunteer crew train with other agencies regularly which makes everyone’s task much easier, and we were delighted to assist our colleagues in the Irish Coast Guard with the rescue this Bank Holiday afternoon.
“We remind people to never hesitate to make that call for help. If you see someone in difficulty on or near the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”
