Ballyglass RNLI escorts vessel to safety off West Mayo

Ballyglass RNLI escorted a 26-meter vessel to safety at Blacksod Bay this past weekend.

The crew launched both its all-weather and inshore lifeboats yesterday afternoon, Sunday, September 15, to assist the crew of a 26 meter cutter vessel that got into difficulty west of the Mullet Peninsula.

Malin Head Coast Guard requested the volunteer crew to launch their all-weather lifeboat shortly after 4pm following a report that a boat had lost navigation. 

As the lifeboat made its way to the scene, a further update came to say the vessel had lost all power and as it was close to shore, and the inshore lifeboat to was launched at 4.20pm. 

The Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 118 from Sligo and Ballyglass Coast Guard were also tasked.

The all-weather Severn class lifeboat was launched under Coxswain Francie Gibbons and with mechanic Stephen Togher, crew Hughie Carlin, Patrick Coyne and Sean Reilly onboard, while the inshore D class lifeboat was helmed by Alan Murray with Francis Dixon and Matthew Togher onboard.

Weather conditions at the time were moderate to fair, with good visibility. 

Once on scene, the lifeboat crew observed the local vessel and, in consultation with the vessel’s crew, found that the boat did have power and steering. 

A decision was made to escort the boat to the nearest port at Blacksod, at the southern tip of the peninsula. The local vessel assisted by going in front, while the lifeboats shadowed the vessel until it was safely anchored.

Speaking following the call-out, Ballyglass RNLI Coxswain Francie Gibbons said that ‘thankfully’ the situation ‘wasn’t as serious as first thought’.

She added: “We would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea, to go prepared, checking the forecast and tides times in advance, carrying a means of communication to call for help if needed, wearing a life jacket or buoyancy aid and ensuring your engine is well maintained. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”