Kilmore Quay RNLI Assist Three People Stranded on RIB

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather Tamar class lifeboat, Killarney, by the Irish Coast Guard on Saturday afternoon following a call from a concerned member of the public for three people on board a RIB anchored approximately 100 metres off Ballyhealy Beach. The weather was sunny but with a strong south westerly breeze blowing Force 6 to 7 causing large waves to form close to the shore.

The lifeboat immediately launched and arrived on scene at 3.30 pm. The crew quickly established that the three people on board were safe and well, transferring them to the lifeboat for passage back to Kilmore Quay. A towline was established to the RIB and the lifeboat was soon under way to Kilmore Quay.

Arriving back in the harbour at 4:50 pm, the casualty vessel was secured alongside the marina assisted by the Kilmore Quay unit of the Irish Coast Guard who also took care of the three casualties when they disembarked from the lifeboat. The lifeboat returned to its berth and was made ready for service again by the crew.

Speaking following the call out, Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Grace, said: ‘Thankfully, today was a good outcome. The people involved had the good sense to stay on board the boat until help arrived. I would strongly urge anyone heading out to sea to tell someone where you are going and when you will be back, and most importantly carry a reliable means of communication, VHF or a mobile phone in a waterproof case, in case you need to call for help. I would also like to thank the Kilmore Quay Coast Guard unit for their assistance today.’

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.

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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.