Ballyglass RNLI goes to the aid of two jet-skiers in Blacksod Bay
Ballyglass RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was requested to launch yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 20 July) by the Irish Coast Guard to go to the assistance of two people on a jet ski in difficulty between Doolough and Claggan in Blacksod Bay.
The volunteer lifeboat crew, consisting of father and son Frankie and Eric Geraghty, with Matthew Togher at the helm, launched at Shore Road Belmullet within 10 minutes of the pagers going off. The lifeboat was on scene within half an hour with conditions being very favourable; flat sea, no wind and good visibility.
Malin Head Coast Guard had been contacted when a jet ski capsized, making the situation dangerous and impossible for the vessel to proceed. A rigid inflatable power boat in the area had taken the casualties aboard until the lifeboat arrived. Once on scene, the lifeboat crew assessed the situation, took the uninjured jet ski crew aboard and proceeded to bring them safely to land at Doolough.
Ballyglass Coast Guard unit were also tasked to assist and were on shore to help locate the vessel.
Pádraig Sheeran, Ballyglass RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager, said : ‘We are glad of a positive outcome today and want to remind people of the importance of always respecting the water and looking out for each other on or near the sea. Well done to all who helped out today. Ní neart go cur le chéile, as they say (we are stronger when we work together). Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard if you see someone in difficulty. The RNLI is a charity and we are always happy and ready to save lives at sea.’
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