Lifeboat crew come to aid of three paddleboarders off Mayo coast

Achill Island RNLI came to the aid of three paddleboarders at Keem Bay yesterday (Saturday) afternoon.

A lifeguard raised the alarm when he became worried about how long it was taking them to return from their trip.

When the lifeboat arrived on the scene, one paddleboarder had managed to make their way back to shore while the other two were assisted by a local fishing boat.

Achill RNLI was requested by the Irish Coast Guard to come to the aid of the paddleboarders. The volunteer crew were at an open day, as part of the local Féile Chill Damhnait, taking place at the lifeboat station, when the call for help was made.

The alarm was raised after a lifeguard at the beach noticed the three paddleboarders were taking a long time to return from Moyteoge Head and he became worried about them due to the off-shore easterly breeze at Keem Bay.

Sligo-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118 was also requested to assist, with the all-weather lifeboat ‘Sam and Ada Moody’ launched shortly after 3 p.m. with a crew of six, under the command of Declan Corrigan, Coxswain.

Arriving on the scene, they found one paddleboarder had made their way back to shore while the other two were assisted by a local fishing boat who came to their aid prior to the arrival of the lifeboat.

Speaking after the call-out, Coxswain Declan Corrigan said: “The paddleboarders had made the right decision to come to a lifeguarded beach and, as a result, the quick-thinking lifeguards on duty called the Coast Guard for additional help prior to attempting to reach the paddleboarders themselves.

“Thankfully, the situation had a very happy ending for everyone concerned and we would like to thank everyone involved for their help and assistance.”

He added: “We remind people to never hesitate to call 999 or 112 if they see someone in difficulty in the water. It is never a waste of resources and our crew will always respond when requested.”