Ballyglass RNLI involved in rescue of two people on capsized dinghy
Ballyglass RNLI was involved in the rescue of two people whose dinghy capsized in Blacksod Bay yesterday.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat by Malin Coast Guard at lunchtime yesterday (Monday 13 July).
A sailing dinghy with two people aboard had capsized near Blacksod lighthouse. The inshore lifeboat and landrover left the station immediately and reached its launch site at Blacksod with three volunteer crew ready for service.
Ballyglass RNLI’s inshore lifeboat arrived on scene within 30 minutes of receiving the call. The alarm had been raised by a person on the shore who immediately alerted the emergency services. A local fishing vessel had come to the aid of the sailors who had managed to re-right their boat. The fishing boat proceeded to tow the dinghy back to Blacksod pier. Ballyglass inshore boat escorted both vessels back to the pier where they were met by Ballyglass Coast Guard Unit who attended to the two casualties, one of whom had mild hypothermia.
Pádraig Sheeran, Ballyglass Lifeboat Operations Manager, commended the local fishing vessel and the other emergency services involved saying: ‘The main aim of the RNLI is to save lives at sea and thanks to the commitment and vigilance of all those involved there was a positive outcome for the sailors at Blacksod. It is great to see people watching out for each other and working together for the common good. If you see anyone in difficulty on or in the water call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
Ends
Key facts about the RNLI
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 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.