Clifden RNLI volunteers respond to two incidents after major overnight search
- Pat Nolan
- 15 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Wednesday 26 August 2026
Clifden RNLI volunteers faced a long night on Monday, 24 August, joining colleagues from Achill RNLI, Cleggan Coast Guard and Rescue Helicopter 118 in a large-scale multi-agency search operation following reports of a distress flare at sea.
The call-out came at approximately 10.30pm after members of the public reported seeing a flare launched in an area of water between Renvyle and Clare Island.
Over a number of hours, volunteer crews on three lifeboats, together with Coast Guard colleagues, carried out a comprehensive search of a large area of sea. With no further sightings or reports of anyone in distress, all assets were stood down at approximately 1.15am and began preparing to return to their respective stations.
The call-out came at approximately 10.30pm after members of the public reported seeing a flare launched in an area of water between Renvyle and Clare Island.
Over a number of hours, volunteer crews on three lifeboats, together with Coast Guard colleagues, carried out a comprehensive search of a large area of sea. With no further sightings or reports of anyone in distress, all assets were stood down at approximately 1.15am and began preparing to return to their respective stations.
Clifden RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, however, was immediately re-tasked to another incident in Killary Harbour.
Two hikers had descended Mweelrea Mountain and found themselves stranded on the rocky shoreline. In the darkness, they were unable to locate their boat and had been stuck on the rocks for several hours.
The Clifden inshore lifeboat crew located the two people and, after establishing that both were uninjured and in good spirits, transported them safely back to shore on the south side of Killary Harbour.
The hikers were extremely grateful for the assistance of the lifeboat crew, having found themselves in a dangerous situation on the shoreline in darkness.
Fergal Conneely, Clifden RNLI Launch Authority, praised the volunteers who had responded during the long night.
“I want to say a huge thanks to our volunteers for a long night. It was 3.30am when some of the crew were going home for a few hours’ sleep and then into work today.
“It can be a big sacrifice being an RNLI volunteer but it is one we accept willingly and with pride.
“If you find yourself in an emergency situation or spot someone else in trouble, please always call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard. We are ready to respond 24/7 to help save lives at sea.”
During the operation, Clifden’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat was helmed by David Barry, with Caroline Barry, Ronan Mullen and Sean Pryce as crew.
Clifden’s all-weather lifeboat was under the command of Coxswain Alan Pryce, with Joe Acton, David O’Reilly, Tom Guy, Shane Conneely and Alan Kearney as crew.
Achill RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was under the command of Coxswain Patrick Mc Namara, with Declan Corrigan, Terry Hogarth, Stephen Mc Geral, Thomas Ruddy, Kevin Cattigan and Shane Guthrie as crew.
There was little time for the Clifden volunteers to rest following the overnight incidents. At approximately 11am on Tuesday, 25 August, the crew was tasked again, this time to assist a broken-down vessel east of Carraig na Rón.
James Mullen helmed Clifden’s inshore lifeboat, with Sean Pryce, Dara Wallace and Shane Conneely as crew.
Following an assessment, the lifeboat crew determined that the vessel was creating a navigational hazard. A decision was therefore taken to tow the vessel to safety in Clifden Bay.
These incidents highlight the varied nature of RNLI operations and the commitment of volunteer crews, who remain ready to respond to emergencies around the clock, often after already completing demanding call-outs during the night.
