Michael Malone, 10 May
A 3-month-old baby was among a family of six rescued by Clifden RNLI on
Thursday evening after they got stranded on Omey Island.
The volunteer crew were tasked by the Irish Coast Guard at 6.15pm
yesterday to assist the family who were cut off by the tide on Omey.
The family, which included grandparents, a baby, two young children and a
dog, were found to be well and did not require medical assistance.
They were returned to the shore at Claddaghduff where Cleggan Coast Guard
and additional lifeboat crew provided further assistance and ensured the
family got back to their accommodation safely.
Clifden’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat was launched by volunteer Helm, Kenny
Flaherty with Daniel Whelan, David O’Reilly and Shane Conneely as crew.
Speaking after the shout, Clifden RNLI Helm Kenny Flaherty said reminded
locals and visitors to always check tide times and heights before
venturing out to Omey and to always make sure they have enough time to
return safely.
“If you do get cut off by the tide, it is important to stay where you are
and not attempt a return to shore on your own as that may be when the
danger presents and you get into difficulty,” he said.
“Always carry a means of communication, and should you get into difficulty
or see someone else in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast
Guard.”