Wicklow RNLI launch twice within 24 hours on bank holiday weekend.
Wicklow RNLI volunteers launched twice within 24 hours over the bank holiday weekend, firstly to reports of a yacht with mechanical difficulties and secondly to reports of a person in difficulty in the water.
The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea slipped its mooring under the command of coxswain Nicky Keogh, at 7:00pm on Friday (1 August) to reports of a yacht with two people on board, experiencing mechanical difficulties approximately four miles north of Wicklow harbour.
The casualty vessel was located a short time later, with the conditions on scene being described as, slight seas with calm wind.
After an assessment of the situation by Coxswain Keogh, it was decided the best course of action was to take the vessel under tow for the short trip back to the harbour. This was due to the casualty vessel suffering mechanical issues with its engine and being unable to sail due to the lack of wind.
The casualty vessel was secured safely alongside in Wicklow harbour at about 8:00pm.
The volunteer crew then made the lifeboat ready for service.
Speaking after this callout Coxswain Keogh said ‘This was a quick response by the crew which led to the casualty yacht being safely secured in Wicklow harbour.
The second call out came less than 24 hours later when the pagers sounded at 12.54pm on Saturday (02 August). The Coast Guard had received reports of a person in difficulty in the water south of Mizen head.
While enroute to the location further information was received that the person had managed to make their way ashore and was safe and well.
The volunteer lifeboat crew were stood down and returned to station where the lifeboat was once again made ready for service.
Speaking after this callout Wicklow RNLI Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer Connie O’Gara said 'We would remind people when going on the water to wear a lifejacket and have a suitable means of communication to call for help should the need arise. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'
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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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