New all-weather lifeboat for Connemara coast

The Connemara coastline has been allocated an all-weather lifeboat on a 12-month trial basis by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

The Mersey class all-weather craft will complement two inshore lifeboats at the RNLI’s Clifden station, which was established in early 1988.

Named the Pride and Spirit, the vessel will provide lifesaving cover in all weathers up to 160km off the Connemara coast, according to Clifden RNLI lifeboat operations manager John Brittain.

Four coxswains, four mechanics, four navigators and 16 all-weather lifeboat crew have been trained to respond to call-outs on the vessel, which has a top speed of 17 knots and is capable of self-righting in challenging conditions.