Sligo Bay RNLI launches to numerous sailing dinghies caught in a squall
Sligo Bay RNLI's volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat to reports from a person at the beach in Rosses Point of sailing dinghies caught in a squall this evening (Thursday 22 June) in Sligo Bay.
Following reports from an onlooker that there appeared to be several dinghies capsized in Sligo Bay, the
Sheila and Denis Tongue launched at 8.10pm to offer assistance to the clubs’ safety boats already on the water.
Arriving on the scene at 8.15pm, the crew assessed the situation and most dinghies had righted themselves and were able to sail home unassisted. However, one dinghy had turned turtle and both sailors had been picked up by the club safety boat. The lifeboat crew then managed to right the dinghy and tow it back to the club.
Speaking following the call out, Aisling Gillen, Sligo Bay RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: 'A member from the sailing club said conditions changed very quickly and even though they had their safety boats on the water, they were very grateful of the assistance provided by ourselves and that having the RNLI as their neighbours, is always a great comfort to them.
'As we enter the summer season, we would remind anyone planning a trip to sea to always go prepared, check weather and tide times, always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity and always carry a means of communication such as a VHF radio or a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. Should you get into difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'
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