Galway RNLI assist boat in difficulty off Clare coast

GALWAY RNLI launched to assist a boat in difficulty off the Clare coast this weekend.

The volunteer crew were requested by the Irish Coast Guard to assist a 30 foot motorboat with five people on board, that got into difficulty off Blackhead late on Friday evening.

The lifeboat launched at around 8.30pm with crew members David Oliver, Dave Badger, James Rattigan and Ian Claxton on board and headed towards the location of the motorboat which was north east of Finvarra Point, off Ballyvaughan.

Conditions at sea were challenging, with squally wind, rain and poor visibility. The Galway lifeboat reached the motorboat at around 9pm and escorted the boat - which was under her own power - and the five passengers back to Galway Harbour.

David Oliver, who was helm on board the lifeboat said: "Our volunteer shore crew were waiting at the harbour and helped to secure the motorboat when she arrived back. We were very pleased to be able to assist the five people on board the motorboat and make sure they got safely back to dry land.

"Incidents can happen at any time. It is important that you always carry a means of calling for help when you are at sea and if you get into difficulty or see someone in difficulty please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard will then contact us and our lifeboat crew will respond immediately."