Six rescued after Ballyglass RNLI responds to yacht emergency on Killala Bay
Six people were brought to safety after the yacht began taking on water, with multiple emergency services assisting in challenging sea conditions.
The volunteer crew of Ballyglass RNLI were requested to launch by Malin Head Coast Guard at 9:46 pm on Friday, July 17, following reports of a yacht taking on water on Killala Bay with six people on board.
The volunteer crew, including Coxswain PJ Walker, Mechanic Trevor Devereux, and crew members Gerry Martin, Hughie Carolan, Stephen Togher, and Sean Reilly, launched the all-weather lifeboat with a full crew of six.
Conditions at the time were cloudy with a fresh northerly wind. A Met Éireann marine warning was in force along the west and northwest coast from 3:00 pm on Friday, with north to northwest winds reaching force six at times and remained in place overnight.
Killala Coast Guard was also on scene and took two people off the yacht. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118, based in Sligo, was also tasked to assist.
At 11:40 pm, a decision was made to take the yacht under tow to Killybegs, with the remaining four people staying on board the casualty vessel for the passage. A fishing vessel in the area and the Killybegs Coast Guard also assisted.
The lifeboat arrived in Killybegs at 6:10 am on Saturday, and the yacht was brought safely alongside. Ballyglass RNLI then made way back to the station, where the lifeboat was refuelled and ready for service again at 9:45 am.
Speaking following the call out, Ballyglass RNLI Coxswain PJ Walker stated:
“This was a long service for our volunteer crew, who were away from station for almost 12 hours overnight. We’re glad everyone on board the yacht is safe and well, and we’d like to thank Killala Coast Guard, Killybegs Coast Guard, the crew of the fishing vessel that assisted, and the crew of Rescue 118 for their help throughout,” he said.
He further stated that the crew would like to remind anyone planning a trip or activity at sea to be prepared:
“Check the weather and tides before venturing out, always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device, and always carry a means of communication. If you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”