The volunteer crew of the Arranmore lifeboat were on exercise when they were asked to respond to a jet skier with engine failure by Malin Head Coast Guard at 7pm last night.
Relief coxswain Karl O’Neill from Portrush had launched the lifeboat with five crew on board at 6pm to conduct a training exercise off Arranmore.
They then received contact from Malin Head Coast Guard to proceed to the Carrickfin area where a jet skier had suffered engine failure.
Within minutes the lifeboat located the casualty and having established a tow line brought the jet skier to safety at Carrickfin beach.
Karl said “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.
“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.”
Karl continued ‘As the May bank holiday and summer approaches we would ask everyone to be aware of the safety messages of the RNLI, Coast Guard and Water Safety Ireland, enjoy the good weather and be safe’.
Crew on board were, Coxswain Karl O’Neill, mechanic Philip Mc Cauley, Sharon O’Donnell, Aisling Cox, Mickey Mc Hugh, JJ O’Donnell.
The lifeboat returned to anchor following refuelling at 9.15 pm.
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