Wicklow RNLI brings three people to safety after yacht gets into difficulty.
Wicklow RNLI brought three people to safety yesterday evening (Monday 21 April), after their vessel developed mechanical problems four miles south of Wicklow Harbour.
The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea slipped its mooring at 8:50pm to reports of a yacht with three persons on board which had developed electrical issues leading to engine failure.
The volunteer lifeboat crew under the command of Coxswain Nicky Keogh located the vessel approximately 20 minutes after launching in a position four miles south of Wicklow Harbour. Conditions on scene were calm wind, with calm seas and good visibility.
Once on scene, the volunteer crew assessed the situation. Given the fact that the yacht was unable to make safe progress without any wind and without any means of propulsion, a decision was made to establish a tow. The yacht was towed by the lifeboat to the nearest safe location which was Wicklow harbour.
The vessel was secured alongside a short time later and all 3 casualties were assessed as being ok with no further attention required.
Speaking after the callout Deputy LPO Connie O’Gara said “This was a quick response by the crew and that along with their training helped bring three people safely ashore and we wish them well.
'As we approach summer, we would like to remind people planning a trip at sea to ensure they have a suitable means of communication to be able to call for help should the need arise. Let someone know where you are going and when you are due back and if you get into trouble or see anyone in difficulty, dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.'
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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