Galway RNLI rescue off Mutton Island

Thursday 19 June 2025

Shortly before 5pm this afternoon the Galway RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were requested to launch to rescue a lone fisherman on board a 19ft fishing boat with engine trouble.

Galway RNLI crew and lifeboat on a recent training exercise. Photo Credit: RNLI/Galway

The lifeboat crew with helm Martin Oliver, Brian Niland, Mark Purcell and Erin Killeen on board were quickly underway to the reported location of the stricken boat near Mutton Island, on inner Galway Bay.

Martin Oliver, helm for the shout this afternoon said: ‘We were on the scene quickly and reached the fishing boat which was in trouble just before it went aground on Mutton Island. We set up a towline and were able to tow the fishing boat out of danger and bring the boat and the fisherman to a nearby slipway in order to get ashore safely.

‘Conditions at sea were good with calm water and just a slight breeze.

‘It looks like we are heading into a spell of fine weather which is likely to bring many people to the coast, lakes and rivers. No one plans to get into trouble when they go out on the water and we encourage anyone planning to be on or near the water in the coming days to:

• Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity

• Know how to float in an emergency

• Always carry a means of calling for help such as a VHF radio or mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and keep it on you

• Always check the weather forecast and tide times before venturing out

• Always tell someone where you are going and when you are due back

If you see someone in trouble or get into difficulty yourself, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’