MARCH 2008

Fishermen Rescued in Lough Swilly

A Fishing boat, which got into difficulties last Tuesday after hitting rocks in the Lough Swilly, has highlighted the need for the retention of the Malin Head Coast Guard Station.

A search and rescue helicopter from Sligo, two lifeboats from RNLI in Buncrana and the Mulroy Cliff and Coast Rescue Team all attended the scene.

Inishowen TD Joe McHugh said the crew were saved by the skill at Malin Head coast guard centre. The rescue mission clearly shows the importance and the reliability of Malin Coast Guard Station, which is under threat of closure by the Department of Transport and the Marine. "Seven lives were saved in a mission coordinated by the workers in Malin Coast Guard Station. The question I want answered is, would it have been more efficient if it had been coordinated from Drogheda or Shannon? The viability of the Coast Guard Station is under threat because the Minister is intent on relocating the stations. Last night proved that the Ministers 'safety argument' is highly unreliable. The local knowledge provided by the RNLI and the workers at the station offer the North West the best in maritime safety." Joe added.

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