Lifeboat rescues three German tourists from Hare Island

Three young German tourists were rescued from Hare Island on Galway Bay this afternoon by the Galway RNLI Lifeboat.

The three students got trapped on the island after the tide came in shortly before 12.30pm. A person on the shore spotted them in difficulty and rang 999. Galway Lifeboat were tasked to the scene and arrived within ten minutes. The three young German students were completely surrounded by water and were assisted into the lifeboat by the RNLI volunteer crew. They were transported back to Galway Docks. They did not require medical assistance.

The lifeboat crew on this callout were Sean King (Helmsman), Cathal Bryne, Greg Cullen and Olivia Byrne.

Olivia Byrne says: “This highlights the dangers of going out to Hare Island when the tide is coming in. These young men got completely cut off in a short space of time. Luckily a diligent observer on the shore came to their assistance and contacted the emergency services straight away.”