Yacht crew is rescued in gale off Inishbofin
Clifden RNLI volunteers battled four-metre swells to tow three sailors to safety after their yacht suffered engine failure.
Three sailors were brought to safety by Clifden RNLI after their 46-foot yacht suffered engine failure in rough seas off Inishbofin.
The volunteer crew were called out shortly after midday on Wednesday, October 21, as the sailors attempted to reach the shelter of Cleggan Harbour under sail amid deteriorating weather conditions.
Clifden’s Shannon-class all-weather lifeboat launched at 12.20pm, battling strong westerly winds and swells of between three and four metres.
On reaching the yacht southwest of Inishbofin, the crew assessed the worsening conditions and agreed with the skipper that towing the vessel was the safest option.
A towline was successfully established, and the yacht and its three occupants were brought safely to Cleggan Pier.
The six-strong lifeboat crew comprised James Mullen, Joseph Acton, Ronan Mullen, Caroline Barry, Shane Conneely and Neil Gallery, with newly qualified launch vehicle driver Liam Coyne assisting their departure.
Clifden RNLI Coxswain James Mullen praised the volunteers, saying regular training had prepared them for the challenging conditions.
“When we train and practice together in different scenarios and in all types of weather, it makes an operation like today's second nature.”
He added: “Our volunteer crew today did an exceptional job in assisting this yacht.”
Mr Mullen urged those heading to sea to check weather conditions and tides, wear lifejackets and carry a means of calling for help.
Anyone in difficulty should call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.