Sligo Bay RNLI volunteer crew launch to hydrofoil in difficulty

Sligo Bay RNLI's volunteer crew were requested to launch by the Coast Guard at 8.32pm to reports of a person in the water on a hydrofoil board who had appeared to have lost their sail this evening (Saturday 24 June) in Sligo Bay.

A number of concerned onlookers called 112 and reported to the Coast Guard that there was person waving their arms in the water, on their board but did not have a sail. The weather conditions at the time were force 6 southerly wind.

The volunteer crew aboard the Sheila and Dennis Tongue launched at 8.40pm and were on the scene by 8.42pm. However in the meantime another boarder had noticed the situation and had gone to help by providing a tow in towards the beach. The lifeboat crew came alongside and checked the person was ok and able to paddle in the last few metres to shore.

Thankfully this was good outcome and well done to the quick-thinking people who made the call.

Remember if you see or think someone is in difficulty in the water don’t delay call 112/999 and ask for the Coast Guard as very second counts in the water.

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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Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.