Irish lifeboat crew's open day cut short to assist stricken paddleboarders

Members of emergency services in Mayo had to come to the aid of paddleboarders after an easterly breeze blew them away from the Achill coast.

The Achill Island RNLI lifeboat was requested by the Irish Coast Guard to help three paddleboarders at Keem Bay on Saturday afternoon, August 16. 

The crew had been attending an open day, as part of the local Féile Chill Damhnait, when the alarm was raised and had to make an abrupt exit.

Concerns mounted after a lifeguard at the popular Mayo beach noticed the three paddleboarders were taking a long time to return from Moyteoge Head. He became worried about them due to the off-shore easterly breeze at the idyllic Keem Bay. 

READ MORE: JOB ALERT: Garda HQ are seeking a Chief Information Officer and the salary starts at €168k!

The Sligo-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 118, was also requested to assist.  The all-weather lifeboat ‘Sam and Ada Moody’ launched shortly after 3pm with a crew of six on board under the command of Declan Corrigan, Coxswain.  Weather conditions were sunny with flat calm sea conditions at the time.

The lifeboat made haste in a north easterly direction towards Keem Bay. By the time the lifeboat arrived on scene, one paddleboarder had managed to make their way back to shore while the other two were assisted by a local fishing boat who came to their aid prior to the arrival of the lifeboat.

Speaking after the call out, Achill Island RNLI Coxswain, Declan Corrigan, said: “The paddleboarders had made the right decision to come to a lifeguarded beach and as a result, the quick-thinking lifeguards on duty called the Coast Guard for additional help prior to attempting to reach the paddleboarders themselves. 

“Thankfully, the situation had a very happy ending for everyone concerned and we would like to thank everyone involved for their help and assistance. We remind people to never hesitate to call 999 or 112 if they see someone in difficulty in the water. It is never a waste of resources and our crew will always respond when requested," he added.