Four Clifden RNLI crew members who went to the aid of a sailor stranded on the rocks of Inishark have received letters of commendation for their role in the complex rescue operation.
On 20 September 2019, in severe weather conditions, Clifden RNLI’s all-weather Shannon class and inshore Atlantic 85 lifeboats were launched at the request of the Irish Coast Guard.
A sailor had come into difficulty after his yacht suffered engine failure at Inishark island. The volunteer crew were on the scene within 30 minutes and located the casualty who had made his way onto the rocks.
As previously reported on Afloat.ie, he operation was hampered by a south-east Force 7/8 onshore wind but helm Alan Pryce, using experience and training, was able to safely put a crew member ashore to assess the casualty.
The casualty did not have life-threatening injuries but given the severity of the weather, the safest option was to request the assistance of the coastguard’s Sligo-based helicopter Rescue 118 which winched the sailor to safety.
Clifden RNLI volunteers Alvin Bell, his father Andy Bell, Ian Shanahan and Alan Pryce crewed Clifden’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat during this challenging rescue operation and they recently received letters of commendation from John Payne, the RNLI director of lifesaving operations, for their service.
John Brittain, Clifden RNLI lifeboat operations manager, congratulated the crew: “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.”
