Twenty-five people have been rescued off Co Mayo after a 24-metre French-registered sailing vessel struck a fish farm and began taking on water, according to rescue services. The incident occurred approximately one mile east of Clare Island during the early hours, prompting a multi-agency marine response coordinated by the Malin Head Coast Guard Coordination Centre.
Emergency Response and Multi-Agency Rescue Operations
Following a distress call received by the Malin Head Coast Guard Coordination Centre, responders quickly mobilized to the scene near Clare Island. According to authorities, the coordination center tasked Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 118 from Sligo alongside the Achill Island RNLI. The Achill Island all-weather lifeboat launched at 4.30am to assist the stricken vessel.
Upon arrival, rescue crews divided their efforts to manage the unfolding maritime emergency. Sixteen non-essential crew members were safely transferred from the sailing vessel to Clare Island by the lifeboat, while the remaining nine people stayed aboard to help manage the situation. Once workers at the fish farm brought the immediate crisis under control, the lifeboat transported the 16 crew members to Achill Island.
Did You Know? The rescue operation required extensive coordination involving multiple local entities, including a Clare Island nurse and community centre staff who assisted alongside the Achill Island RNLI and the Irish Coast Guard.
Securing and Escorting the Damaged Vessel
After dropping off the non-essential crew members, the lifeboat crew returned to the incident site to monitor the vessel. According to the RNLI, the lifeboat stayed on scene until the sailing vessel was successfully freed from the fish farm infrastructure. The lifeboat then safely escorted the damaged boat back to Achill, arriving at 8pm.
RNLI Coxswain Dave Curtis described the deployment as a lengthy call-out for volunteers that stretched from the early hours through late evening. “We would like to commend those on the sailing vessel, those working for the fish farm and everyone else involved yesterday including the Clare Island nurse and the community centre staff, for working together in challenging circumstances, to help bring the crew to safety and for monitoring an ongoing situation where a vessel was taking on water and needed to be freed from the farm,” Mr Curtis said. He noted that while the process was time-consuming, the cooperative efforts ensured everyone came ashore safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were involved in the rescue near Clare Island?
Twenty-five people were on board the French-registered sailing vessel when it struck the fish farm.
Which agencies responded to the distress call?
The Malin Head Coast Guard Coordination Centre tasked the Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 118 from Sligo and the Achill Island RNLI.
Where were the crew members taken after the collision?
Sixteen non-essential crew members were transferred to Clare Island before being brought safely to Achill Island, while nine crew members stayed on board the vessel to assist before it was escorted back to Achill.
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