Rescue crews escort stricken RIB to Ballyvaughan

Galway RNLI’s volunteer crew were called out by the Irish Coast Guard this afternoon to assist five people on board a seven-metre rigid inflatable boat (RIB), which broke down off the north Clare coast.

The alarm was raised shortly after midday. Crew members Aaron Connolly, Mark Purcell and Martin Oliver, under the command of helm David Badger, launched the lifeboat and made their way across Galway Bay to the reported location, about halfway between Blackhead and Ballyvaughan.

Weather conditions were favourable and the lifeboat made good time reaching the vessel. By the time it arrived, the RIB had already been taken under tow by another boat in the area. The lifeboat crew assessed the situation as safe and stood by to escort both vessels into Ballyvaughan Bay, where all five people were able to get back to shore safely.

Helm David Badger described the outcome as positive. “Our advice is always to call for help if you get into trouble on the water or if you see someone in difficulty by dialling 112 or 999 and asking for the Coast Guard. It is really important that when you go to sea you always carry a means of making contact and raising the alarm, such as a VHF radio or mobile phone. And of course to wear properly maintained lifejackets which will keep you afloat and visible if you end up in the water,” he said.

“The people on board the stricken boat did everything right today. It didn’t matter that the RIB had already set up a tow with another boat by the time we arrived. We were happy to be there to make sure everyone was well, unharmed and that both boats were safe to do the tow. We accompanied the boats to Ballyvaughan pier and once we knew they were going to be able to get ashore safely, we set off back to the lifeboat station. We would always rather be there to help and make sure people are safe than not get the call, or get it too late.”

Mr Badger also reminded those taking advantage of the settled summer weather to check tide times, read local hazard signage and, when swimming, to use lifeguarded beaches and stay between the red and yellow flags. He added that remembering the #FloatToLive technique could save lives and that anyone in an emergency should call 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.