THE RNLI IN Clifden, county Galway, was last night called to save eight people who had got into difficulty on a pleasure boat.

The volunteer crew launched its Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat and Mersey class all-weather lifeboat to the scene east of Davillaun Island.

The RNLI says that weather conditions worsened and the group were “cold and exhausted”. All were brought safely to shore with one person being taken to hospital for further treatment.

The crew was requested by Malin Head Coast Guard at 6.58pm to assist the broken down pleasure craft. The eight people onboard had been to Inishboffin island for the day and were returning home when the weather turned, becoming wet and foggy.

A volunteer crewmember boarded the boat to assist the casualties and to secure a tow line. Four of the passengers were then transferred onto the lifeboat where they received casualty care while the remaining four people stayed onboard the broken-down vessel with the lifeboat crewmember.

The lifeboat then took the vessel under tow towards Aughris pier, over an hour away.

All eight were later transferred to the all-weather lifeboat where they were given hot soup.

One person was assessed by paramedics and transferred to hospital for further treatment. The remaining seven people disembarked the lifeboat at the pier.

Clifden RNLI lifeboat helm Daniel Whelan commented:

“This callout shows how conditions can change quite quickly at sea. Visibility became poor as the weather deteriorated.

“Thankfully we have a fast responding Atlantic 85 lifeboat and a well-trained crew. Having the all-weather lifeboat provide cover was invaluable, providing warmth and comfort for the casualties.”

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