Achill lifeboat responds to drifting unmanned fishing trawler

ACHILL Island RNLI responded to a request from the Irish Coast Guard to come to the rescue of an unmanned fishing trawler in severe weather conditions on Friday afternoon.

The 36ft trawler was moored between Purteen Harbour and Inishgalloon at Achill Island and was pulling its anchor and drifting dangerously close to the rocky shore in stormy conditions.

The volunteer crew launched the all-weather lifeboat ‘Sam and Ada Moody’ shortly before 1.30 p.m. under the command of Coxswain Dave Curtis, with Michael Cattigan, mechanic, Thomas Ruddy, Stephen McGreal, Ivan Swarbrigg and Terry Hogarth on board. Conditions were very challenging at the time with storm force winds and three-metre swells.

The trawler was moving dangerously close to nearby rocks and a decision was taken to put two crew on board the drifting trawler, which was then taken on tow and brought to another mooring nearby.

Once safely secured, the two crew returned to the lifeboat, returning back to station shortly before 4 p.m.

Speaking after the call-out, Achill Island RNLI lifeboat operations manager Ciaran Needham said: “Weather and sea conditions were very challenging, but our crew train for all eventualities and they were delighted to be able to come to the rescue of this vessel.

“If you see someone, or some vessel, in need of help, don’t ever hesitate to call the Coast Guard and ask for help. Our crew are always happy to respond when needed.”