Galway RNLI come to rescue of three people on boat stranded on Galway Bay

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.

‘This current spell of good weather means there are more people out and about on the water. For anyone planning to be on or near the water in the coming days, our advice is to:

· Always wear a lifejacket or 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.’

Ends

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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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