Achill RNLI called to aid paddleboarders at Keem Bay

Achill Island RNLI was requested by the Irish Coast Guard to assist three paddleboarders at Keem Bay on Saturday afternoon. The call for help came as the station was hosting an Open Day as part of the local Féile Chill Damhnait festival.

The alarm was raised after a lifeguard on the beach became concerned when the paddleboarders were slow to return from Moyteoge Head. With an offshore easterly breeze creating difficult conditions, the Sligo-based Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 118, was also tasked.

The all-weather lifeboat Sam and Ada Moody launched shortly after 3pm with six crew members on board under the command of coxswain Declan Corrigan. Weather conditions at the time were sunny and calm.

By the time the lifeboat arrived, one of the paddleboarders had already made it safely back to shore. The remaining two were taken on board a local fishing vessel that had reached them before the lifeboat arrived.

Coxswain Corrigan praised the swift actions of the lifeguards. “The paddleboarders had made the right decision to come to a lifeguarded beach and as a result the quick-thinking lifeguards on duty called the Coast Guard for additional help prior to attempting to reach the paddleboarders themselves,” he said.

“Thankfully the situation had a very happy ending for everyone concerned and we would like to thank everyone involved for their help and assistance. We remind people to never hesitate to call 999 or 112 if they see someone in difficulty in the water. It is never a waste of resources and our crew will always respond when requested.”