SIX divers had to be helped to safety after their boat broke down off St John’s Point this afternoon.
Receiving the call from Malin Head Coast Guard shortly before 1pm, the Bundoran Lifeboat crew, who had just returned from exercise, set out for the scene at the Bullockmore west cardinal marker just west of St John’s Point.
Arriving around 1.15pm, they found that the main dive boat had broken down and was unable to recover six divers who were in the water. To assist with the operation Killybegs Coast Guard boat was also tasked to the scene as was the Sligo based Rescue 118 helicopter from Strandhill.
Four divers were recovered on to the Bundoran lifeboat with two recovered to the Killybegs Coast Guard boat with those two subsequently transferred to a passing fishing boat who had responded to the Coast Guard’s initial call for assistance in the area.
On his first call out as a qualified helmsman, Rory O’Connor said he was happy with how things had panned out.
“We are delighted that there was a successful conclusion to this shout. Thankfully once the dive boat realised that there was a problem they contacted the Coast Guard immediately and got ourselves, Killybegs Coast Guard Delta and Rescue 118 launched. We would always encourage all boats to check in with the Coast Guard before setting out.”
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