RNLI crews were tasked to a RIB in difficulty off Fanore, Co Clare, on Friday evening.
Galway and Aran Islands lifeboats launched after a member of the public raised the alarm at approximately 8:30pm. The vessel was reported about 1km offshore.
Conditions were calm, with a south-easterly Force 2 wind and a half-metre swell.
The Aran Islands all-weather lifeboat located the RIB at 9:15pm. The casualty was safe but showed signs of exhaustion and exposure.
The person was transferred aboard the lifeboat and given water and blankets.
The RIB was drifting into the main channel, posing a navigation risk. A tow was established.
At Ballyvaughan Bay, the casualty and vessel were handed to the Galway inshore lifeboat. The RIB was towed safely to Ballyvaughan Pier.
Both crews then returned to base.
Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain Ó hIarnáin said the alert was timely. “The member of the public did the right thing in raising the alarm as darkness was beginning to set in.”
He urged boat owners to carry out pre-launch checks, including hull, engine, fuel system and safety equipment.
The call-out coincided with the start of the RNLI’s Mayday Mile fundraising appeal.
Galway Launch Authority Peter Navan said the rescue was a first for new crew member Leo Branagan. “It was an opportunity to see how flanking lifeboat stations work together to provide a 24/7 search and rescue service on Galway Bay.”
He added that support from the public is vital. “We’re asking people to step up and support us through the Mayday Mile so we can keep saving lives.”
