Lifeboat assists jet skiers in difficulty on Clew Bay

THREE people on jet skis had to be assisted by a lifeboat crew on Clew Bay last evening (Saturday).

Achill Island Lifeboat was tasked at 9.35 p.m. by the Irish Coastguard to assist three jet skiers who had got into difficulties in the inner bay areas.

They explained in a Facebook post: “These are dangerous waters for even the most experienced mariners with numerous sandbars and shallows all over the bay.

“Our crew, while doing their best to practice social distancing instructions, liaised with the Irish Coastguard and the Garda Siochana and oversaw the safe return of all three young people who were towed to Rosmoney Pier by a local RIB owner.”

The lifeboat returned to its moorings, after refuelling, at 11.35 p.m.

Achill Island Lifeboat has again reiterated an appeal that people refrain from sea activities during the current pandemic.

“While all RNLI activities, including meetings, fundraising and even crew training sessions, have been suspended in keeping with current Covid-19 advice on social distancing, our lifeboat and crew are, of course, always fully operational and ready to go to sea in an emergency.

“In a joint statement issued by the Irish Coastguard and the RNLI at the start of this pandemic, the public were urged to follow government instructions to stay at home and protect frontline services. Both organisations also recommended the public against exercising in the sea, saying that while search and rescue teams were operational, every callout had the potential to put additional pressure on emergency services.”