Stranded jet skier rescued by Arranmore lifeboat at Carrickfin

The Arranmore lifeboat crew came to the aid of a stranded jet skier while they were on exercise.

The volunteer crews were asked to respond to the jet skier, who had engine failure, by Malin Head Coast Guard at 7pm on Wednesday.

Five crew were aboard the lifeboat under relief coxswain Karl O’Neill from Portrush.

They proceeded to the Carrickfin area and located the casualty within minutes. 

The lifeboat crew established a tow line and brought the jet skier to safety on the beach.

“Weather conditions at the time were perfect and having located the casualty we determined the best course of action was to tow the jet skier the short distance to Carrickfin beach,” Mr O’Neill said. 

“I would like to commend the young jet skier for his attention to all safety aspects of going to sea. 

“He had a means of communication, all the correct personal protective equipment and an anchor, all of which contributed to his safe return when he got into difficulty. 

“He is a great example to anybody thinking about going to sea whether for pleasure or work.”

Mr O’Neill urged everyone to be aware of the safety messages of the RNLI, Coast Guard and Water Safety Ireland ahead of the May Bank Holiday weekend.

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He said: “Enjoy the good weather and be safe”.

The crew on board were, Coxswain Karl O’Neill, mechanic Philip McCauley, Sharon O’Donnell, Aisling Cox, Mickey McHugh and JJ O’Donnell. The lifeboat returned to anchor following refuelling at 9.15pm.