Canoeists rescued in unseasonal Force 9 gale The two kayaks which got into trouble off Achill Island in the early afternoon of 20 May 2002 were perhaps unlucky to experience such unseasonal weather. With visibility down to one mile, in rough seas and Force 7 winds, they were being blown out to sea when the lifeboat Sam and Ada Moody was launched. Coxswain Tommy Kilbane had only three crew on board and was intending to pick up two more, but due to the urgency of the situation, Tommy proceeded without them.

The Coastguard asked a helicopter to assist, and two other experienced canoeists also set off to help.

But by the time the lifeboat reached the kayaks the weather had further deteriorated, with winds now up to Force 9, gustmg 70 knots, with rough seas and a swell of 2-3m. All four canoeists now needed rescue.

The helicopter recovered two of the casualties from the water. The lifeboat managed to rescue the two other casualties there, together with their three canoes. They were taken to Dugort where conditions were too severe for the lifeboat to tie up, but Tommy Kilbane held the bow to the pier while other crew members helped the casualties ashore. Four crew members were at Dugort to assist in landing the survivors.

The remaining canoe was recovered during the return passage to Achill Island.

In recognition of their arduous service in severe and unseasonable weather, the crew of the Sam and Ada Moody received a letter of commendation from the operations director of the RNLI..