Lifeboat crew hailed as four rescued after boat overturns at remote Donegal beach

Four people were rescued after their boat capsized near Sliabh Liag on Saturday.

The volunteer crew of the Bundoran RNLI came to there rescue of the stricken quartet, after their boat overturned near a remote beach.

The task was made all the more difficult as the lifeboat was unable to reach the beach due to the inaccessible location.

However, the RNLI helm Oisin Cassidy and volunteer crew, Richard Gillespie, Mark Vaughan and James Cassidy were able to use their lifesaving skills to rescue the casualties and bring them to safety.

Sliabh Liag Boat Tours, who were also in the area, remained on scene throughout the rescue to assist the RNLI volunteers, who were tasked to assist at 4.44pm.

RNLI volunteer Richard Gillespie swam to shore, reaching the casualties one-by-one and swimming them back out to the lifeboat. They were then transferred to the Sliabh Liag boat so they could be warmed. 

All four were safely recovered and brought to safety at Teelin Pier.

This was one of three separate incidents that saw the Bundoran RNLI in action over the weekend. 

The first call-out came on Friday evening, July 11, from Malin Head Coastguard when the crew was paged at 9.26pm following reports of a person struggling in the water off Bundoran’s main beach. 

The inshore lifeboat launched immediately and was on scene within five minutes. The casualty had made it to shore, where the crew provided casualty care before the person was transferred to Sligo University Hospital for further treatment.

On Saturday at 4.34pm, the lifeboat was launched following reports of a missing child who was last seen in the water at Bundoran beach. The child was located safe and well shortly after.

Bundoran RNLI Helm Oisín Cassidy said: “Three call outs in 24 hours is a reminder of how unpredictable the sea can be, and how important it is to be prepared. We’re especially grateful to Paddy at Sliabh Liag Boat Tours for their help during the rescue.”

The Saturday call-out was a special one for Mr Cassidy, as it marked his first launch as helm. He was joined on board by his fellow crew member, and father, James Cassidy, making it a proud milestone for the Cassidy family and the station.

Read next: Lough Swilly RNLI brings three people to safety after boat gets into difficulty

The RNLI urges everyone heading to the coast this summer to respect the water. 

A spokesperson said: “Always swim at life guarded beaches, wear a life jacket when going to sea, and in an emergency dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”