Man rescued after his small boat started to sink off the Mayo coast

Members of the emergency services in Westport and Achill came to the aid of a man whose small boat started to take on water and sink off the Mayo coast.

The incident occurred shortly before 3pm yesterday afternoon, August 18 when the alarm was raised by the man whose small boat started sinking close to Old Head off the Louisburgh coast.

A multi-agency rescue was put in place with Irish Coast Guard units in Achill and Westport requested to assist along with members of Achill RNLI lifeboat who were also requested by the Irish Coast Guard to come to the aid of the man. Lifeguards at Old Head beach also provided assistance.

The crew of Achill RNLI quickly assembled and the ‘Sam and Ada Moody’ launched with eight crew on board. This was the second time in two days that the Achill lifeboat crew were asked to come to the aid of people who had gotten into difficulty close to the shore.

While the lifeboat was underway the crew were informed by the Irish Coast Guard that the crew of the Westport based Irish Coast Guard unit were able to render assistance and bring the man to safety. 

The man was looked after by the Westport Coast Guard volunteers and the lifeguards at Old Head beach. At that stage the Achill Island RNLI all-weather lifeboat and the Achill-based Coast Guard unit were both stood down.

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Speaking after the call out, Achill Island RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Eilish Power, said: “This is an excellent example of multiple agencies working together and resulting in a very positive outcome. We want to commend the man who did everything right, and for his quick thinking in making the call for help. We also want to thank our Coast Guard colleagues and the lifeguards on duty, for rescuing him and looking after him so well. We wish the man well after his ordeal

“Despite the best made preparations, anyone can find themselves in need of assistance. Our advice is to never hesitate to make that call for help. It is much better for help to be on the way than for a situation to deteriorate without anyone knowing and possibly ending in tragedy. If you see someone in help on or near the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard,” she said.