Galway and Aran Islands RNLI Rescue Exhausted Boater Off Clare Coast

Saturday 2 May 2026

Volunteer lifeboat crews from Galway and the Aran Islands were called into action on the evening of 1 May after a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) got into difficulty off Fanore, Co. Clare.

Galway lifeboat taking over the tow from Aran Islands. Photo Credit: Aran Islands RNLI

The alarm was raised at approximately 8:30pm when Valentia Coast Guard requested assistance following a report from a member of the public. The vessel was believed to be in trouble around one kilometre off Fanore Beach. Despite relatively calm conditions a south-easterly Force 2 wind and a half-metre swell the situation quickly became concerning as darkness approached.

The Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat located the drifting RIB at 9:15pm. While the individual onboard was found safe, they were suffering from exhaustion and exposure. Crew members transferred the casualty onto the all-weather lifeboat, where they were provided with water and blankets to help them recover.

The RIB itself posed an additional risk, drifting into the main channel and creating a potential hazard to other vessels. The decision was made to tow the boat to safety.

Upon reaching Ballyvaughan Bay, the Aran Islands crew coordinated with the Galway RNLI inshore lifeboat. The Galway crew then took over, towing the vessel and casualty safely to Ballyvaughan Pier. Once both were ashore and out of danger, the crews returned to their respective stations.

Speaking following the call out, Aran Islands Coxswain Ó hIarnáin said: ‘The member of the public did the right thing in raising the alarm as darkness was beginning to set in. We strongly advise boat owners to carry out essential pre‑launch checks, including the condition of the hull, engine, fuel system, steering, batteries, and onboard safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and communication devices.’

Yesterday’s rescue coincided with the start of the RNLI’s Mayday Mile appeal, where members of the public are asked to raise funds by completing a mile a day in May and help RNLI volunteers save lives this summer.

Peter Navan, who was on call as Launch Authority for the Galway Lifeboat Station for the first time this week said: ‘The Galway volunteer crew launched the lifeboat at 9.55pm and made way to Ballyvaughan arriving around 25 minutes later. Last night’s shout was a first for our new crew member, Leo Branagan, who recently transferred from Skerries RNLI and an opportunity to see how the flanking lifeboat stations work together to provide 24/7 search and rescue service on Galway Bay.’

He added: As a charity, this is only possible through the generous support from our community. This May we’re asking people to step up and support us through the Mayday Mile so we can keep saving lives when it matters most.’

To sign up for the Mayday Mile, or to make a donation in support of the RNLI’s lifesavers, visit RNLI.org/supportMayday