#LIFEBOATS - The crew of the Sligo Bay RNLI lifeboat rescued two people from a 31ft Norwegian flagged yacht at the weekend.

The volunteer lifeboat crew was tasked by Malin Head coastguard shortly after 3.30pm on Saturday 18 August following a report that the vessel had got into difficulty.

Crew on board the inshore lifeboat Elsinore proceeded to the scene eight miles off Ballyconnell in Co Sligo. Weather conditions were good at the time with strong tides.

A man and a woman onboard the yacht had been on passage from the Labrador Coast in Canada on the final stretch of a voyage from their home in Oslo via the Caribbean and the east coast of America when they got into difficulty across the Atlantic.

Both of the yacht’s main sails were shredded in a gale and it subsequently suffered engine failure.

Arriving on scene, the lifeboat crew established a tow and took the vessel into Sligo Harbour, arriving after three hours. When the yacht was safely secured, the couple were brought into the Sligo Bay station where they were made comfortable.

Sligo Bay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Willie Murphy said: "The couple were tired after being at sea for 21 days but were in good spirits. They were extremely grateful to the crew for their service and to all at the station for their assistance after."

This is the second time this summer that Sligo RNLI has had connections with Norwegian sailors. 

In June, a 30-strong Norwegian shanty choir attended Rosses Points RNLI Shanty Festival to sing a song they had specially composed to commemorate the saving of a Norwegian crew off a shipwrecked sailing barque in the late 1800s on Coney Island in Sligo Bay.

Ever dreamt of owning your own coastguard station? Now you have the chance!

The Old Coastguard Station in Dromard, Co Sligo is an historic five-bedroom property on seven acres with 1,000ft of sea frontage and stunning views across Sligo Bay, on the market for €2,175,000.

Within, the preserved stone building - which dates from 1873 - has been refurbished as bright and spacious accomodation, with all internal woodwork in solid light oak. 

Rooms are spread over two levels, comprising three reception rooms, a study, an office, library and the watchtower, as well as five bedrooms (for en suite), five bathrooms, the kitchen, utility room, pantry and other rooms once used for storing equipment and munitions during the building's former life.

The front of the property hosts a split-level lawn enclosed by stone walls and shrubbery to give protection from the elements. At the rear is a 300sqm sheltered courtyard with an original freshwater well and a number of modernised outbuildings, such as garages and a greenhouse.

The property also comes with its original boathouse and slipway to a small sandy beach. 

Prospective owners can stay connected with full broadband and landline service, while the internet-accessible CCTV system will give extra peace of mind.

The Old Coastguard Station is located south of Ballisadare Bay just five minutes from Beltra and 18 minutes from Sligo town in an area known for its top-class golf courses and fishing spots. Yachtsmen especially will be pleased to know that Sligo Yacht Club is just a short sail away. 

More details including photos are available from Waterside Properties and Knight Frank Estate Agents.