Sligo Bay RNLI responds to three incidents in four days
- Pat Nolan
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Thursday 20 August 2026
Sligo Bay RNLI volunteers had a busy few days, responding to three separate calls for assistance from the Irish Coast Guard, including two back-to-back launches on Sunday, 16 August.
The lifeboat Sheila and Dennis Tongue, with four volunteer crew onboard, was requested to launch at 4.17pm on Sunday to assist a boat off Aughris which had fouled its propellers after becoming tangled in ropes.
The lifeboat proceeded to the scene and, following an assessment by the crew, it was decided that the safest option was to tow the vessel back to the pontoon at Rosses Point, as it was unable to make safe onward progress.
While the lifeboat crew were returning to station, they received a second request from the Irish Coast Guard to assist a separate vessel with two people onboard which had run out of fuel.
After safely bringing the first boat back to Rosses Point and ensuring it was secured and everyone onboard was safe and well, the lifeboat returned to sea with a relief crew and proceeded back towards Aughris.
On arrival, the crew assessed the second vessel and, as it was also unable to make safe onward progress, decided to tow it back to Aughris Pier.
Just three days later, on Wednesday, 19 August, Sligo Bay RNLI volunteers were requested to launch again, this time to assist a 5m RIB with one person onboard which was experiencing engine difficulties in the channel.
The lifeboat launched at 12.56pm and proceeded up the channel towards Sligo Port. The casualty had made several unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine before deciding to secure the boat to a navigation pillar and call for assistance.
On arrival at the scene, the lifeboat crew assessed the situation and decided that a tow back to the pontoon at Rosses Point was the safest course of action.
Speaking following the callout, Sligo Bay RNLI Helm Michael Waters said: “The person onboard, who was wearing a lifejacket, made the right decision to call the Coast Guard and request assistance as the tide was on the way out and they had made several unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine.
“As we know, time can be of the essence in many situations, so we would encourage people to not delay in raising the alarm if they are in difficulty or see someone else in trouble.”
Sligo Bay RNLI is reminding anyone heading out on the water to ensure their vessel is properly equipped, to wear a lifejacket and to seek assistance early if they encounter difficulties.
