Mayo lifeboat assists small craft adrift off Old Head

THE Achill lifeboat has come to the aid of two people drifting off the west Mayo coast.

Achill Island RNLI were requested by the Irish Coast Guard to assist two men on board a small open pleasure craft which was drifting off Old Head this afternoon (Sunday).

The all-weather lifeboat ‘Sam and Ada Moody’ launched at 3.10 p.m. under the command of Dave Curtis, Coxswain, with Ivan Swarbrigg, Terry Hogarth, Tomas Ruddy, Alex Blackmun and Shane Guthrie also on board.

Westport Coast Guard unit were also requested to assist.

The drifting vessel was located around two miles east of Old Head, with both men on board well and wearing personal flotation devices. After assessing the situation, a decision was made for the Westport Coast Guard Delta to establish a tow and take the men and their craft back to the safety of Old Head as the lifeboat stood by, ready to further assist if needed.

Once safely back at the shore, the lifeboat departed for Achill Island, arriving back at 5.30 p.m.

Speaking after the call-out, Achill Island RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, Ciaran Needham, said: “Our crew were delighted to be able to assist these two men alongside our colleagues in Westport Coast Guard this afternoon.

“Even with very best of plans and preparations, the most experienced boat users can find themselves in need of help at sea. On this occasion both men were wearing personal floatation devices, which we always recommend, and the right decision was made to call for help.

“If you see someone in need of help on or near the water, don’t ever hesitate to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard. Our crew are always happy to respond if requested to help.”