The Clifden RNLI were called to a rescue of four kayakers in trouble last weekend, joining the effort with a local boat which arrived first.
Both lifeboats from the Clifden RNLI station were called out on Saturday afternoon around 3:30pm by the Coast Guard.
An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) had been activated, sending the lifeboats to the aid of four kayaks approximately eight nautical miles off the north end of Inishark.
The four kayaks had been overturned by a large wave, with one boat completely swamped, leaving one person in the water and clinging onto on of the other boats for safety until a local came to their aid.
On arrival, the RNLI lifeboat crew observed that the crew of a local rigid inflatable boat had taken two of the kayakers onboard including the casualty whose kayak was swamped, while the other two were making their way to safety themselves.
The inshore lifeboat proceeded to escort the local vessel with two of the kayakers safely back to Inishbofin while the all-weather lifeboat escorted the other two kayakers safely back to shore.
Speaking following the call out, John Brittain, Clifden RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager praised the kayakers for going to sea with the right gear and equipment.
“The kayakers got caught by a large swell in an inaccessible area, but they had done all the right things which made a huge difference.”
“They were all wearing drysuits and lifejackets. A personal locator beacon also served its purpose in raising the alarm and the kayakers need to be commended for also carrying that.”
“We would remind anyone planning a trip to sea this summer to always respect the water. Always have the correct safety gear and equipment, always check the weather and tide times before venturing out and always let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back.”
If someone gets into trouble on the water they should call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
