Crew of nine rescued by Galway RNLI Lifeboat after boat runs aground

A crew of nine were rescued by Galway RNLI Lifeboat last night after their 6.5 metre Rib ran aground in Ballyvaughan Bay.

With the boat’s propellor and engine damaged, the crew used VHF communications to alert the Irish Coastguard who immediately sought the assistance of Galway RNLI Lifeboat.

The lifeboat launched from Galway Docks at about 10pm. Conditions were calm and dark when the Lifeboat crew located the stricken vessel some 20 minutes later.

All nine crew on board were wearing lifeboat jackets and did not need any medical assistance.

Galway Lifeboat crew of Brian Nilan (Helmsman), James Rhattigan, Dave McGrath and Cathal Bryne took the stricken boat in tow to Parkmore Pier near Kinvara.

Deputy Launch Authority Seán Óg Leydon said: “The crew of the vessel acted quickly by dropping anchor straight away and contacting the Irish Coast Guard.”