Ballyglass RNLI inshore lifeboat launched to assist a fishing vessel in Broadhaven Bay in the station’s 1st call-out of 2021.
The Irish Coast Guard requested Ballyglass volunteer lifeboat crew to launch to assist a 35ft fishing vessel at 12.30pm today in Broadhaven Bay. The vessel had ran aground in the channel close to Belmullet docks and had sent a Mayday emergency distress signal.
The inshore lifeboat launched immediately and was on scene within minutes.
The casualty vessel was secured and the sole occupant transferred to the lifeboat to be brought safely ashore. The crew, with Frankie Geraghty at the helm, returned to station, refuelled and had the boat ready for service by 13.40.
All Covid 19 procedures and guidelines were strictly adhered to.
Pádraig Sheeran, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager at Ballyglass commended all involved on the expediency of the response. He said: ‘The RNLI and and the Coast Guard are always ready to assist but we ask the public to always put safety first, to always have a means of communication when on or near the water, and to always respect the water.’