A yacht carrying 40 people was rescued by the RNLI and Coast Guard off the coast of Galway on Saturday. The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat was called to assist the passengers of a 40ft yacht that had become stranded on a rocky shoal off Bonaveen Point. The alarm was raised by the Valentia Coast Guard, and the Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat, accompanied by a second boat from the Killaloe Coast Guard, were dispatched to help. Upon reaching the stranded yacht, the crew discovered that everyone onboard was wearing their lifejackets, and all were unharmed. The decision was made to take the yacht off the shoal, and six passengers were transferred to the Killaloe Coast Guard vessel. One volunteer then boarded the yacht and prepared it for towing, and the yacht followed directly behind the lifeboat. The yacht had no apparent damage to its engine or props and was able to make way under its own power once in safe waters. By 3pm, the yacht was safely tied alongside in Castle Harbour. The rescue was completed in testing circumstances, and the Lough Derg RNLI and Killaloe Coast Guard were praised for their swift response and excellent teamwork.
