Helvick Head RNLI comes to the aid of 2 people after yacht gets into difficulty
Helvick Head RNLI came to the aid of two people this afternoon (Saturday 16 August) after their yacht got into difficulty near Bunmahon.
The lifeboat was requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard at 12.20pm, following a call from the Irish Coast Guard reporting that a yacht was in difficulty in rough seas. There was an easterly wind, Force 4–5 at the time which was creating challenging onshore conditions.
The volunteer lifeboat crew including Helm Alan Kelly, Joe Foley, Shane Walsh, and Rian Kelly, quickly made their way to the scene in the inshore lifeboat. Upon arrival, they found the yacht close to shore. The lifeboat crew assessed the situation and decided the safest course of action was to establish a tow and safely bring the vessel which couldn’t make any onboard progress to Boatstrand Pier where they were assisted by Bunmahon Coast Guard.
Speaking following the call out, Liam Harty, Helvick Head RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘We would like to commend the sailors for wearing lifejackets and having access to phone communication for raising the alarm. This resulted in a good outcome today and we wish both of them well. The wind direction and sea state were challenging today so the quick actions of the yacht’s crew in calling for help, combined with their use of lifejackets, played a major role in their safe recovery.
‘As the summer continues, we encourage all water users to always wear a suitable lifejacket or personal flotation device for their activity, carry a means of calling for help, and check the weather conditions before setting out. 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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