Two jet skiers rescued off north Mayo coast

Two jet skiers have been rescued from Blacksod Bay after their craft got into difficulties.

The Ballyglass Coast Guard Unit and RNLI Ballyglass ILB were tasked with the rescue operation after a jet ski with two persons on board broke down in Blacksod Bay between Claggen Island and Doolough.

A spokesperson for the Ballyglass Coast Guard Unit stated: "When we arrived on scene we located the jet ski with the two persons on board which was adrift in the bay.

"A local boat owner, responding to the Pan-Pan call issued by MRSC Malin, and the RNLI made their way to the stricken jet ski.

"On reaching the casualties the RNLI took the two persons on board their boat and brought them and their jet ski back to safety at a local slipway.

"No medical assistance was required.

"Well done to all involved in today's incident."

Ballyglass RNLI’s inshore lifeboat crew, consisting of father and son Frankie and Eric Geraghty, with Matthew Togher at the helm, launched at Shore Road, Belmullet, within 10 minutes of the pagers going off. The lifeboat was on the scene within half an hour with conditions being very favourable - flat sea, no wind and good visibility.

A rigid inflatable power boat in the area had taken the casualties aboard until the lifeboat arrived. Once on scene the lifeboat crew assessed the situation, took the uninjured jet ski crew aboard and brought them safely to land at Doolough.

Pádraig Sheeran, Ballyglass RNLI’s lifeboat operations manager, said: “We are glad of a positive outcome and want to remind people of the importance of always respecting the water and looking out for each other on or near the sea. Well done to all who helped out. Ní neart go cur le chéile, as they say (we are stronger when we work together).

“The RNLI is a charity and we are always happy and ready to save lives at sea.”

Remember if you see someone in difficulty in the sea or along the coast line please don't hesitate CALL 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.