Clifden RNLI were called out twice in the span of 24 hours for two separate rescue operations in Clifden Bay and Inisbofin.
The crew were called out to Clifden Bay on Sunday September 29 because a local sailing boat had broken free from her moorings. Led by Owen Hayes, Clifden’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat launched shortly after 5.30pm, and the crew consisting of Chris Nee, Joe Acton and Dan Whelan were able to tow the vessel to a secure mooring in Clifden bay.
A volunteer lifeboat group were also asked to carry out a medical evacuation from Inishbofin on Monday September 30. Led by Coxswain James Mullen, Clifden’s all weather lifeboat St Christopher was launched with a crew consisting of Joe Acton, Kenny Flaherty, Shane Conneely and Chris Nee. The crew carried out care on the patient who suffered a fall. The crew were assisted by Ash Sweeney who provides relief community nursing on Inishbofin. The patient was brought back to Cleggan pier where paramedics were waiting for him.
Clifden RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Tony Casey said, “As the seasons and sea conditions are changing and we prepare for wet and windy weather this is a good time to remind all mariners to check their moorings and ensure their vessels are in good condition. Mechanical failure is the single biggest cause of rescue call outs to sailing and motor cruisers, accounting for nearly 20% of RNLI lifeboat launches. Always wear an appropriate lifejacket. Always carry a means of calling and signalling for help. Ensure there is an emergency action plan in place and everybody has an onboard briefing. Please never delay in calling for assistance, in Clifden RNLI we are ready to respond 24/7.”
