Volunteer RNLI crews were called out early this morning to assist a sailor who had run into difficulty in heavy seas during Storm Agnes.
The shout lasted nearly ten hours in very difficult sea conditions and was the longest tow ever carried out by Clifden RNLI, a total of 22 miles.
Both Clifden and Achill Island RNLI were tasked by Malin Head Coast Guard around 6am, after a sailor of a 46ft yacht called for assistance after losing engine power amid deteriorating weather conditions.
Thomas Davis was Coxswain of Clifden’s St Christopher, his first rescue in command of the lifeboat since passing out as Coxswain of the all weather lifeboat. Crew members were Joe Acton, Andy Bell, Shane Conneely, Chris Nee and Owen Hayes.
Achill Island RNLI launched their all weather lifeboat Sam and Ada Moody with Declan Corrigan as Coxswain and Michael Cattigan, Patrick Kilbane, Thomas Ruddy, Terry Hogarth and Alex Blackmun as crew.
Sea conditions at the time were very difficult and the lifeboat crews faced four-meter swells, driving rain and Force 8 winds out at sea.
The casualty vessel was located 10 miles west of Clare Island. Once on scene the crew communicated with the sailor who was unharmed and grateful for the assistance.
Clifden lifeboat crew managed to establish a tow-line despite the storm conditions and commenced the long journey to safe harbour in Cleggan. Achill crew provided welcome cover and escorted St Christopher and the casualty vessel back to safety, before returning to base.
Speaking about the rescue, Thomas Davis, Clifden RNLI Coxswain, commended both lifeboat crews.
“The storm conditions and the distance we travelled today made for a challenging rescue, but this is what we train for, and I’m happy we were able to bring this sailor back to shore,” he said.
“I’d like to thank Achill Island RNLI for standing by us today which was a great support throughout the ten hours at sea.
“I’d remind everyone of safety advice during storm conditions; please exercise extreme caution around the coast and shore line. Always check the weather and the tides before going to sea and always call for help if you are in difficulty.”
