On Saturday evening, the Arranmore RNLI crew successfully rescued three people and their dog who were stranded on Maghera Beach due to the rising tide.
The stranded walkers, two men, a woman, and their dog, were cut off by the tide on the rocks at Maghera Beach at Loughros Mor Bay when they called for help at 7.15 pm. The Malin Head Coast Guard immediately alerted the all-weather lifeboat crew who were already out on an exercise. The crew promptly diverted to the incident and arrived at the scene shortly after.
Upon assessing the situation, the crew onboard the Severn class lifeboat, Myrtle Maud, launched their smaller daughter inflatable Y-boat to access the water near the rocks or shore. Crew members Mickey McHugh and Kieran O'Donnell located the stranded walkers along the rocky shoreline of Loughros Mór Bay.
At 8.15pm, the crew removed the stranded walkers from the rocks. The rescue operation was a testament to the crew's training and skill. After the rescue, the casualties received further assessment and care from Killybegs Coast Guard before safely returning to their vehicles in Portnoo.
Coxswain Jimmy Early of Arranmore RNLI praised the professionalism and dedication of his crew throughout the commendable rescue operation. He also commended the stranded walkers for their prompt call to the emergency services.
The Arranmore RNLI crew on this commendable call-out included Coxswain Jimmy Early, mechanic John McHugh, and crew members Micky Dubh McHugh, Kieran O’Donnell, JJ O’Donnell, Seamus Bonner, and Finbar Gallagher.
