It was a busy weekend for the Aran Islands RNLI as their lifeboat was called out to multiple rescues after two yachts got into difficulty.
Saturday night proved to be a long odyssey for the volunteer lifeboat crew, as they spent the better part of six hours working in rough seas.
The all-weather lifeboat launched at 10:58m on Saturday night in response to a call-out by the Coast Guard to help a yacht in trouble two nautical miles north east of Kilmurvey Bay.
The lifeboat launched under Coxswain Declan Brannigan and a full crew onboard and headed straight for the yacht.
Conditions at the time of launching were tough, with poor visibility, squally showers, a west to south-west force 5 wind blowing and a 3m sea swell.
Arriving on scene, the crew assessed the situation and were happy the crew aboard the yacht were in good health and in no immediate danger. The yacht was drifting as the steering had stopped working completely.
A decision was made to establish a tow line but due to the conditions it was difficult to maintain.
A discussion between the lifeboat crew and the Coast Guard resulted in Casla Coast Guard being tasked to the scene, joining them south of Cannon Rock light.
The Coast Guard set up a tow line with the yacht, and the lifeboat escorted them both to calmer waters in Casla Bay, where they were then able bring the yacht to safety in Ros a Mhíl Harbour.
The lifeboat returned to Kilronan Harbour on Inis Mór shortly after 5am on Sunday morning after a long night at sea.
Speaking after the call outs, Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain Declan Brannigan said, “Saturday was a long night for the volunteer crew but the benefits of regular training paid off.”
“Experience is earned from showing up. I am extremely proud of how they conducted themselves.”
Prior to this, the lifeboat were also requested to launch the lifeboat by the Irish Coast Guard at 6:26pm last Friday, to help a 15m yacht in difficulty in Casheen Bay, north of the Aran Islands.
Conditions at the time of launching were challenging with moderate visibility, a 2-3m sea swell and a south-west force 6 wind blowing.
Arriving on scene, the crew assessed the situation, and established the yacht with one person onboard was in no immediate danger.
A tow line was established and once clear of a nearby fish farm, the sailor was able to start his engine and the tow line was dropped.
The lifeboat guided the yacht out past Ceann Golam and towards Cannon Rock and the entrance to the channel for Ros a Mhíl harbour. The yacht proceeded safely towards the harbour unaided.
“There was a great response time from the crew for both call outs and in the first call out on Friday, we were able to get to the yacht quickly, and tow the sailor out safely,” Declan Brannigan said.
“Saturday’s call out proved more challenging with the conditions and the hours of darkness but again, we were delighted to bring all seven to safety. Calling the Coast Guard for assistance in both these cases was the correct move.”
“Even in the summer conditions can change quickly and push even the most experienced sailors out of their comfort zones.”
“We would encourage everyone to be fully trained in the usage of all their equipment onboard ahead of their planned trip at sea.”
