This article is from page 18 of the 2006-06-13 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
A NEAR disaster was averted this weekend thanks to the quick reaction of the crew of the Kilrush RNLI lifeboat.
On Saturday afternoon, the crew of the lifeboat Rose West was called to assist the sole sailor of a 24-foot yacht off Querrin.
The experienced sailor left from the Kilrush Marina that day amid relatively calm conditions.
In the early afternoon, the yacht met with heavy gusts, which caused the mast to break and the sail to become tangled in the engine.
The yacht started to drift onshore near Querrin on the Shannon Estuary.
Querrin is known for its dispersed rocky shores.
A local maritime expert told The Clare People that, had the ship hit the rocks, it could have been badly damaged or sunk.
However, the quick-thinking Foynes-based sailor called the Irish Coast Guard at Valentia almost immediately.
The Kilrush lifeboat was called and performed the rescue at 4.15 pm. The lifeboat then took the damaged yacht under tow to Kilrush Marina.
The sailor was not injured, but the yacht will need some repair work.
On board the lifeboat, crew were Morgan Keating at the helm, crew Roger O’Donnell and Charlie Glynn.
Other volunteers on the day included tractor driver Fintan Keating Snr with John Lamb, Lifeboat Operations Manager in charge of launching operations. Damien Nolan assisted on shore.
Charles W. Glynn, Lifeboat Press Officer, said that, with the start of the sailing season, it was a good time to remind all sailors of essential safety tips.
He said to always wear a life jacket and check the engine and fuel before leaving the marina.
He warned mariners to always tell people where you are going and when you plan to be back.
Mr Glynn also advised to carry a means of communication, such as a mobile phone that would allow a sailor in distress call for help.
As with all good mariners, he pointed out the need to keep an eye on the weather and tides.