Lifeboats from Clifden and Achill have successfully towed a yacht to port, after the vessel got into difficulty in the Atlantic Ocean, earlier today.
Crews from both RNLI bases were tasked this morning, after the British registered yacht encountered difficulties, some ten miles west of Clare Island. The lone sailor raised the alarm at around 6am, after losing engine power, as weather conditions deteriorated.
In an operation lasting almost ten hours, the RNLI crews braved four metre swells, driving rain and Force 8 winds to reach the yacht.
The sailor was unharmed and was able to assist the Clifden lifeboat establish a tow-line. The 46 foot yacht was then towed back to Cleggan, a journey of 22 miles, accompanied by the Achill lifeboat.
Clifden RNLI Coxswain Thomas Davis has commended both crews involved in the rescue effort, paying tribute to their fortitude in the face of extremely challenging conditions.
