As Storm Ellen was preparing to bash the South and Western coastlines yesterday, Sligo Bay RNLI were called to assist a lone surfer ahead of the storm at 8.33pm.
The Irish Coast Guard received multiple calls from concerned members of the public that a lone surfer appeared to be heading out to sea in the fading light.
In 14 knots of south easterly winds, four volunteer crew launched the inshore lifeboat and headed to Strandhill.
Sligo Bay RNLI Lifeboat Station. Photo: Declan Keogh / Emergency Times
Assisted by the Irish Coast Guard’s Sligo based helicopter, Rescue 118, the lifeboat crew located the surfer who was able to make their own way ashore. The lifeboat remained on the scene until they were safely ashore.
Aisling Gillen, Sligo Bay RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘Thankfully this was a happy ending. We would remind everyone of the importance of paying heed to safety warnings during periods of stormy weather and exercise extreme caution. Stay back, stay high and stay dry.’
Sligo Bay RNLI Lifeboat Station. Photo: Declan Keogh / Emergency Times
