Minister Ring launches Achill Rescue Boat
Achill Coast Guard’s new eight-metre Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) is named ‘Radharc an Iarthair’ (Looking West)
Minister Ring launches Achill rescue boat
Anton McNulty
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring officially launched the Achill Coast Guard’s new rescue boat on a visit to their station on Friday.
The new eight-metre Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) which was named ‘Radharc an Iarthair’ meaning Looking West and can reach speeds above 35 knots thanks to its twin 150 HP engines.
Minister Ring announced his commitment to fund the new rescue boat during his last visit to the station when he performed the official opening in 2011.
“I am particularly pleased to be back at Achill Coast Guard Station, and this is my second official visit since my appointment as Minister. This new boat is an important addition for Achill Coast Guard which has done fantastic work over the years. Last year alone, the Achill team responded to 17 callouts ranging from persons drowning, missing persons, flares, and sinking boats,” he said.
A large crowd attended the official naming by Minister Ring including members of the Achill RNLI and Killala Coast Guard teams. Minister Ring praised the work of the rescue services and said the new rescue boat will result in more lives being saved.
“Achill Coast Guard has been involved in two high profile searches during its history. The Spanish trawler Arosa sank in 2001, resulting in a 21 day search. The second major incident was the sinking of the Saint Oliver which hit rocks in 2004.
“I’m delighted to acknowledge the contribution of the volunteers and to celebrate this occasion with the Achill and Killala Coast Guard Teams. As well as operating a boat unit, the Achill team provides a shoreline search team and a cliff rescue team. It is also available to assist the County Council, HSE and Gardaí in support of the local community. I wish the Achill unit every success with the new RIB,” concluded Minister of State Michael Ring.
Along with the naming and blessing ceremony, two Long Service medals were issued to Ailish Munnelly and Shane Donnelly from the Killala CGU.
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