Clifden RNLI in Co Galway have this evening rescued four fish farmers who got into difficulty in extreme weather conditions
The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch their inshore Atlantic 85 lifeboat at 1.44pm today, following a request by Malin Head Coast Guard, to go to the assistance of four fish farmers who were stranded at the mouth of Clifden Bay.
With the weather conditions deteriorating, the men who were working in the bay, made the call for help.
The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118 from Sligo was also tasked.
Due to the adverse weather conditions, the lifeboat helmed by Bernard Whelan and with crew members Kenneth Flaherty, Robert King and Thomas Davis onboard, launched from the calm side of the beach in the shelter of the shore and proceeded westward out to Clifden Bay.
Arriving on scene, the crew observed three of the fish farmers on a 16ft boat which was tied to a fish cage. The Clifden RNLI crew transferred the three men from the vessel on to the lifeboat before taking the fourth fish farmer off the large cage. The lifeboat then returned the four men safely to shore.
‘This was a challenging call out given the gusty weather conditions the lifeboat crew was presented with today,” said Saul Joyce of Clifden RNLI. “The four casualties who are experienced fish farmers were working when the stormy conditions took over and they made the right decision to call for help. The crew used their skill and training to good effect and we are delighted to have brought all four safely back to shore.’
Meanwhile, Irish Water Safety has issued a statement warning the public to stay away from the edges of waterways during storm conditions – that are even more dangerous due to heavy rain, strong gale force winds and high tides.
“Fast rising flood water is very powerful and often hides the dangers of exposed drains, exposed manhole covers and submerged objects. No driver or pedestrian should take a chance passing through flooded roadways. Parents should caution children that small flooded streams are very fast and that floodwater hides true water depths.”