Ballyglass RNLI launch to the aid of six people on board yacht in overnight call out lasting almost 12 hours
- Pat Nolan
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Monday 20 July 2026
Ballyglass RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew were requested to launch on Friday night (17 July) to a yacht taking on water in Killala Bay with six people on board. Two people were taken off the yacht by Killala Coast Guard, while the remaining four stayed aboard as the yacht was taken under tow to Killybegs, where it arrived safely in the early hours of Saturday morning following a service lasting almost 12 hours.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch by Malin Head Coast Guard at 9.46pm on Friday 17 July, following reports of a yacht taking on water in Killala Bay with six people on board.
The all-weather lifeboat launched with a full crew of six, including Coxswain PJ Walker, Mechanic Trevor Devereux and crew members Gerry Martin, Hughie Carolan, Stephen Togher and Sean Reilly, and made best speed to the scene.
Conditions at the time were cloudy with a fresh northerly wind. A Met Éireann marine warning was in force along the west and northwest coast from 3pm on Friday, with north to northwest winds reaching Force 6 at times, and remained in place throughout the overnight operation.
Killala Coast Guard was also tasked to the incident and transferred two people from the yacht. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118, based in Sligo, was also requested to assist.
At 11.40pm, a decision was made to take the yacht under tow to Killybegs. The remaining four people stayed on board the casualty vessel during the passage, while a fishing vessel in the area and Killybegs Coast Guard also assisted with the operation.
The lifeboat arrived in Killybegs at 6.10am on Saturday morning, where the yacht was brought safely alongside. Ballyglass RNLI then returned to station, with the lifeboat being refuelled and ready for service again at 9.45am.
Speaking following the call out, Ballyglass RNLI Coxswain PJ Walker said:
“This was a long service for our volunteer crew, who were away from station for almost 12 hours overnight. We’re glad everyone on board the yacht is safe and well, and we’d like to thank Killala Coast Guard, Killybegs Coast Guard, the crew of the fishing vessel that assisted and the crew of Rescue 118 for their help throughout."
“We would remind anyone planning a trip or activity at sea to go prepared. Check the weather and tides before venturing out, always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device and always carry a means of communication. If you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
