Courtown RNLI launched to a small open fishing boat in failing light
Courtown RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were tasked this evening (Wednesday 6 August) to a small open fishing boat with engine trouble in tricky conditions and failing light following a 112 /999 call to the Coast Guard from a concerned member of the public.
The small open fishing boat that had launched from Cahore got into difficulties close to Roney Point after they had problems restarting their engine and were forced to beach the boat.
Courtown RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Frank, with three volunteer crew launched at 8.20pm in fresh conditions and proceeded to Roney Point where they quickly located the fishing boat. After a full assessment of the situation lifeboat helm Fergus Slevin determined it would be best to tow the fishing boat and its two occupants to the safety of Courtown Harbour and placed crew member Robert Ierton on board the fishing boat to assist with the tow. Even though conditions were tricky with a fresh breeze, strong tide and fading light, the lifeboat arrived back at Courtown with the boat in tow as darkness fell.
The two occupants of the fishing boat were extremely grateful for the assistance of Courtown RNLI Lifeboat and thanked the crew for everything.
Lifeboat helm Fergus Slevin said ‘Never hesitate to call 112/999 as soon as possible and ask for the Coast Guard if you think somebody is in trouble and always ensure you have a means of communication and life jackets for all on board.’
Courtown RNLI Inshore Lifeboat returned to station at 9.40pm where the volunteer crew washed the lifeboat down ready for the next rescue.
Notes to editors
Attached images show volunteer Courtown RNLI Inshore Lifeboat FRANK taken by John Timmons from Courtown RNLI.
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For further information please contact:
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Niamh Stephenson, Regional Communications Lead on +353 1 7604468 or [email protected]RNLI Press Office 0044 1202 336789 or [email protected]
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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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