Achill Island RNLI assist with two people drifting on small craft off Old Head
Achill Island RNLI were requested by the Irish Coast Guard to assist two men on board a small open pleasure craft which was drifting off Old Head this afternoon, Sunday 14 April.
The all-weather lifeboat ‘Sam and Ada Moody’ launched at 3.10pm under the command of Dave Curtis, Coxswain, with Ivan Swarbrigg, Terry Hogarth, Tomas Ruddy, Alex Blackmun and Shane Guthrie also on board. The Westport Coast Guard unit were also requested to assist. There was good visibility at the time with a westerly Force 6 wind and moderate sea conditions.
The drifting vessel was located around 2 miles east of Old Head. On arrival, the crew observed that the two men on board were well and that they were both wearing Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs). After assessing the situation, a decision was made for the Westport Coast Guard Delta to establish a tow and take the men and their small craft back to the safety of Old Head as the lifeboat stood by, ready to further assist if needed. Once the two men were safely back at the shore, the lifeboat departed the scene for Achill Island, some 25 minutes away, arriving back at 5.30pm.
Speaking after the call out, Achill Island RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, Ciaran Needham, said: “Our crew were delighted to be able to assist these two men alongside our colleagues in Westport Coast Guard this afternoon. Even with very best of plans and preparations, the most experienced boat users can find themselves in need of help at sea. On this occasion both men were wearing Personal Floatation Devices, which we always recommend, and the right decision was made to call for help. If you see someone in need of help on or near the water, don’t ever hesitate to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard. Our crew are always happy to respond if requested to help.”
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