The volunteer crew of Clifden RNLI came to the aid of an injured kayaker who was stranded on Crump Island, near Renvyle, at the weekend.
The person had been kayaking in the sea near Renvyle on Saturday when they got into difficulty. They were overturned and unable to resume kayaking so swam to the nearest shoreline on a small uninhabited island, and waited for help.
Clifden volunteer lifeboat crew launched the Atlantic 85 lifeboat just after 6.30pm on Saturday evening and immediately made their way to the location. It was a bright, clear evening and sea conditions at the time were good. The casualty was located on the island in good spirits, however they had sustained some minor injuries which the lifeboat crew attended to.
Joe Acton was helm on the Atlantic 85 lifeboat, supported by crew members Dara Wallace, Caroline Barry and Brian Ward. Fergal Conneely was the launch authority. The team successfully transferred the casualty back to shore where colleagues in Cleggan Coast Guard took over.
"We are coming into a busy time for water activities and while we want everyone to enjoy our beautiful Connemara coastline, please do so carefully," said Clifden RNLI helm Joe Acton. "Anyone going to sea should wear a life-jacket, have a VHF radio or means of calling for help, check the tides and weather. Never swim alone and always call 999/112 and ask for the Coast Guard at the first sign of distress, Clifden RNLI are ready to respond 24/7."
