Ballyglass RNLI rescues lone sailor off the North Mayo coast

Ballyglass RNLI came to the aid of a lone sailor last night, Tuesday, September 3, off the North Mayo coast.

The sailor was somewhat incapacitated by a knee injury.

The all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch just before 5pm by Malin Head Coast Guard to assist the lone sailor on an eleven-meter yacht. The lifeboat was underway shortly after under Coxswain James Mangan. 

The yacht was located four miles North-West of Eagle Island off the North Mayo coast and approximately 14 nautical miles from the lifeboat station. 

The weather conditions at the time were tricky with a small craft warning in place, a north-westerly wind force and sea state choppy and swelly. 

When the Ballyglass lifeboat with five crew onboard arrived at the scene, they assessed the situation and communicated with the sailor who was fit to sail into Broadhaven Bay single-handed, but required help to moor. 

The lifeboat proceeded to escort the yacht to calmer waters in Broadhaven Bay, where one volunteer was safely transferred to the casualty vessel to bring her to the nearest safe moorings at Ballyglass pier. 

There, the lifeboat crew were met by Ballyglass Coast Guard Unit and the ambulance service, who took over the care of the casualty.  

Speaking following the call-out, Ballyglass RNLI Coxswain James Mangan said: "We were pleased with the safe return of all, and we would like to wish the sailor well and commend and thank our colleagues from the ambulance service and Ballyglass Coast Guard Unit and our own shore crew.”