The Galway RNLI lifeboat came to the rescue of three people on a boat left stranded in the middle of Galway Bay yesterday evening.
Shortly after 6pm on Thursday, as the Galway lifeboat crew were getting ready for a planned training exercise, the call came in about a boat in distress between Spiddal and Blackhead.
The lifeboat with helm Seán King, Stefanie Carr, Ian Claxton and Eoghan Donohue on board was ready to launch and was quickly underway to the reported location of the 6.5 metre long rigid inflatable boat (RIB) which had engine failure and was unable to return to shore.
Once on the scene, the volunteer lifeboat crew medically assessed the three people on board the RIB and with no one in need of first aid, the lifeboat crew were able to establish a tow and bring the stricken boat safely to harbour.
Paul Carey, who was the Galway RNLI Launch Authority on Thursday, said, “It was a good outcome all round with everyone safe. The people on board the RIB did the right thing and made contact with the Coast Guard.”
“If you see anyone in difficulty at sea or if you get into difficulty yourself, please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard will then contact us and our lifeboat crew will respond immediately.”
“When you are out on the water, it is so important to have a means of making contact either by mobile phone or VHF radio.”
“The area of Galway Bay between Spiddal to the north in County Galway and Blackhead to the south in County Clare is quite considerable, and it was really important that the crew on the lifeboat were able to stay in contact with the people on the RIB regarding their location.”
With the current spell of good weather, the RNLI has the following advice for people enjoying themselves out on the water:
- Always wear a lifejacket or a suitable flotation device for your activity
- Know how to float in an emergency
- Always carry a means of calling for help, such as a VHF radio or mobile phone, in a waterproof pouch and keep it on you
- Always check the weather forecast and tide times before venturing out
- Always tell someone where you are going and when you are due back
- If you see someone in trouble or get into difficulty yourself, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard
