The Clifden RNLI volunteer crew were called out last week to assist a vessel suffering mechanical failure at the mouth of Killary Harbour. Weather conditions at the time were very poor with heavy rain and limited visibility.
Whilst preparing to launch on a training exercise on their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, Clifden crew were tasked to assist a small angling vessel with mechanical failure at the mouth of Killary Harbour, 22 nautical miles away. The boat had three people on board and was drifting towards the rocks.
The Atlantic 85 was immediately away under the helm of Alan Pryce, with crew of Chris Nee, Shane Conneely and Connor O'Malley. While en route updated information was received, the casualty vessel had drifted onto the rocks and immediate assistance was required.
Clifden’s Shannon class ALB was also tasked to provide additional cover with John Mullen as Coxswain and crew members Joe Acton, Dan Whelan, James Mullen and Brian Ward. They were assisted by John Heffernan and Neil Gallery on the shore. Shannon-based helicopter Rescue 115 also made their way to the scene.
The Atlantic 85 crew arrived at the location to find the fishing boat on the rocks and the three fishermen had climbed onto the rocky shoreline. The situation was precarious and the weather conditions were poor, however the volunteer crew managed to extract the three casualties and put the stricken vessel under tow.
The casualties were cold and wet but in otherwise good form. They were brought, along with their boat, to Rossroe pier to safety.
Speaking about the callout, Clifden RNLI Helm Alan Pryce said he would like to commend the crew on a well-executed rescue in very tricky conditions.
"The crew and the lifeboat performed incredibly well and the top cover of R115 and Clifden ALB ensured a swift response and successful outcome.
"The volunteer crew at our station are on call 24/7. If you get into difficulty, or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard," he said.
