Boatman rescued off Mayo coastline after vessel ran aground

Ballyglass RNLI inshore lifeboat has provided assistance to a fishing vessel in Broadhaven Bay

The Irish Coast Guard requested the launch of the Mayo unit's 35ft fishing vessel yesterday.

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 had Frankie Geraghty at the helm.

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 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."