Multi-agency response to yacht taking on water off Mayo coast
A YACHT that was taking on water off the north Mayo coast was brought safely to shore in a mission lasting nearly 12 hours on Friday night.
Ballyglass RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew were requested to launch to assist the yacht, with six people on board, in Killala Bay. Two people were taken off the vessel by Killala Coast Guard, and the yacht reached Killybegs safely in the early hours of Saturday morning with the remaining four on board, following a service lasting almost 12 hours.
Ballyglass RNLI was requested to launch by Malin Head Coast Guard at 9.46 p.m. on Friday following reports of a yacht taking on water in Killala Bay.
The volunteer crew who responded included coxswain PJ Walker, mechanic Trevor Devereux, and crew members Gerry Martin, Hughie Carolan, Stephen Togher and Sean Reilly.
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 p.m., with north to northwest winds reaching force 6 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 p.m., 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 Killybegs Coast Guard also assisted.
The lifeboat arrived in Killybegs at 6.10 a.m., with the yacht brought safely alongside. Ballyglass RNLI were back at their station and ready for service again at 9.45 a.m.
Speaking following the call-out, coxswain PJ Walker said: “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.
“We would remind anyone planning a trip or activity at sea to go 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.”