Clifden RNLI Members Honoured for Shipwreck Rescue

Four volunteer members of Clifden RNLI have been honoured for their rescue of a shipwrecked sailor, receiving letters of commendation.

The incident occurred on September 20th, 2019, when the volunteers – Andy Bell, his son Alvin Bell, Ian Shanahan and Alan Pryce – responded to reports of a sailor stranded on the rocks at Inishark amid strong winds. The stranded man had made his way onto the rocks after his yacht was dashed following engine failure.

Assessing the man's injuries and the severity of the weather, the RNLI crew decided it best to call in a Coast Guard helicopter and the man was airlifted to Castlebar General Hospital.

John Brittain, Clifden RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said "Alvin, Andy, Ian and Alan have shown continued commitment to Clifden RNLI and I am delighted that their selfless courage and dedication has been recognised with a letter of commendation. This particular rescue highlights the level of training, skills and seamanship of our volunteer members and we are very grateful for the role they play in saving lives at sea."

Last Thursday, June 17th, Lough Derg RNLI came to the aid of two sailors whose boat had run aground on rocks north of Drominagh Point. The rescued sailors were taken by lifeboat to the safety of Terryglass Harbour.