Last week the Galway RNLI lifeboat came to the rescue of three people on a boat adrift without power near the coast close to a main shipping channel last week.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch by the Coast Guard, following a call for help from three people on board a 19ft boat with engine failure near Blackrock.
The lifeboat launched shortly before 4pm this afternoon with crew Kenneth Kitterick, Paddy Hennelly, Darragh Heskin and helm Brian Niland on board and were quickly on the scene in the vicinity of Blackrock Diving Tower in Salthill.
The three people on board the casualty boat were well but had no means of propulsion and needed assistance.
The crew carried out an inspection of the boat and in the absence of a more suitable vessel and given the risks related to the boat’s condition and location in the main shipping channel to Galway port, it was determined that towing was the best course of action and the boat was towed to a safe harbour.
Paul Carey, Lifeboat Operations Manager for Galway RNLI was the launch authority for the rescue that afternoon. He said, “The weather conditions were very good this afternoon during this fine spell of weather. The people on the casualty boat were wearing lifejackets, were hydrated and had acted appropriately by calling the Coast Guard to seek help.”
“With the sunny weather expected to last for another few days, we know many people will be planning to head to the coast. I’d like to remind everyone heading out on a boat to always wear a lifejacket, let someone ashore know where you are going and when you plan to be back.”
“Check your vessel is safe to go to sea and bring a means of communication so you can call for help if needed. Even on the shortest trips you can get caught out, so it pays to be prepared, including carrying the right boat safety kit.”
“If you get into difficulty on the water or see someone in difficulty, please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
