By Dan Walsh
A concerned member of the public made a call to the Irish Coast Guard on Saturday afternoon after three people on a 3-metre RIB were noticed anchored approximately 100 metres off Ballyhealy Beach and Kilmore RNLI Lifeboat was launched immediately.
The weather was sunny but with a strong south westerly breeze blowing Force 6 to 7 causing large waves to form close to the shore.
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 3.30 pm. The crew quickly established that the three people on board were safe and well, transferring them to the lifeboat for passage back to Kilmore Quay. A towline was established to the RIB and the lifeboat was soon under way to Kilmore Quay.
Arriving back in the harbour at 4:50 pm, the casualty vessel was secured alongside the marina assisted by the Kilmore Quay unit of the Irish Coast Guard who also took care of the three casualties when they disembarked from the lifeboat. The lifeboat returned to its berth and was made ready for service again by the crew.
Speaking following the call out, Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Grace, said: “Thankfully, today was a good outcome. The people involved had the good sense to stay on board the boat until help arrived. I would strongly urge anyone heading out to sea to tell someone where you are going and when you will be back, and most importantly carry a reliable means of communication, VHF or a mobile phone in a waterproof case, in case you need to call for help. I would also like to thank the Kilmore Quay Coast Guard unit for their assistance today.”
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