The Galway RNLI volunteer crew rescued three people from a boat with engine failure just off Salthill yesterday (Wednesday ).
The Coast Guard requested the launch following a call for help from the people on board a 19ft boat, which was adrift without power near Blackrock.
The lifeboat launched shortly before 4pm yesterday with crew Kenneth Kitterick, Paddy Hennelly, Darragh Heskin and helm Brian Niland on board. They were quickly on the scene in the vicinity of Blackrock Diving Tower in Salthill.
The three people on board the boat were well, but had no means of propulsion and needed assistance. The crew carried out an inspection of the boat and, in the absence of a more suitable vessel and given the risks related to the boat’s condition and location in the main shipping channel to Galway port, it was determined that towing was the best course of action. The boat was then towed to a safe harbour.
Paul Carey, Lifeboat Operations Manager for Galway RNLI, was the launch authority for the rescue this afternoon. “The weather conditions were very good this afternoon during this fine spell of weather,” he said. “The people on the casualty boat were wearing lifejackets, were hydrated and had acted appropriately by calling the Coast Guard to seek help.
“With the sunny weather expected to last for another few days, we know many people will be planning to head to the coast,” Mr Carey added. “I’d like to remind everyone heading out on a boat to always wear a lifejacket, let someone ashore know where you are going and when you plan to be back.
“Check your vessel is safe to go to sea and bring a means of communication so you can call for help if needed. Even on the shortest trips you can get caught out, so it pays to be prepared, including carrying the right boat safety kit.
“If you get into difficulty on the water or see someone in difficulty, please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
