Three rescued after boat capsizes off Salthill

Three people were taken to hospital in Galway last night for precautionary checks after the boat they were in capsized off Salthill.

The casualties were rescued from the water by a local RNLI crew, who had been requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard.

They were tasked after another mariner raised the alarm shortly after 8pm.

The three people, who had been in the water for around half an hour, were taken ashore and assessed by paramedics, before being taken by ambulance to hospital for further treatment.

The lifeboat and crew then went back out to sea to secure the boat which was towed back to Galway Docks so that it would not be a hazard to other boats or water users.

Galway RNLI Helm Dave Badger said the fact that all those on board were wearing life jackets had aided the rescue effort.

He reiterated advice to those using pleasure crafts to always ensure they have a properly fitted flotation device, to maximise their chances a of survival in the event of difficulty.