Galway RNLI last weekend assisted a lone sailor who was in difficulty and unable to return to shore after the yacht’s mast broke in half.
Following a call from the Irish Coast Guard on Saturday, the volunteer crew made up of Helm Dave Badger, Sean King and Lisa McDonagh, launched the inshore lifeboat Binny and headed to the location of the casualty yacht off Renville Point, on inner Galway Bay. Conditions at sea were good with light winds.
On arrival at the scene, one of the crew went aboard the stricken yacht to assess the casualty and determine the best course of action to make the yacht safe.
The sailor who was alone on the yacht did not need medical help and with the assistance of the crew was able to make the mast and rigging, which had been in the water, safe so that the sailor could get underway safely.
The lifeboat crew then escorted the yacht, which was once more able to make way under its own steam, back to Renville Harbour. Mike Guilfoyle, Launch Authority with Galway RNLI said “today’s shout was a good reminder of the importance of being able to stay in touch by radio or phone when you go out on the water yachting or motorboating.
“You never know when something can go wrong and you may need to call for help.
“If you if you get into difficulty or see someone in difficulty in the water, please dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard,” he said.
