Skerries RNLI rescue two people on broken down work boat
Skerries RNLI were tasked by Dublin Coast Guard shortly after 4.30pm yesterday evening (Tuesday 29 July), after they received a call from a vessel that had experienced engine failure two miles north of Rockabill lighthouse.
The volunteers in Skerries launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat “Louis Simson” and immediately began navigating towards the area indicated by the casualty.
The lifeboat soon had a visual on the casualty vessel, and once alongside, the volunteer crew established that there were two men on board, who were both fit and well. They also confirmed that the vessel had suffered a mechanical failure and was unable to return to shore under their own power.
With no other suitable boats in the area, and to avoid any risk to navigation, the Helm decided that the safest course of action was to tow the casualty to the nearest safe harbour in Skerries.
Shortly after 5pm the vessel and two men were brought safely alongside in Skerries before the lifeboat was recovered, washed down and made ready for the next service.
Speaking after the call out, volunteer lifeboat press officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said “It doesn’t matter how well prepared you are, or how well maintained your boat is, sometimes the unexpected can happen at sea. This rescue shows the importance of having the correct equipment to contact the shore and raise the alarm as soon as possible.”
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Gerry Canning, Skerries RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 087 988 4965 or email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 087 1254 124 or [email protected] or Treasa Ni Bhraonain, RNLI Communications Placement on 0874764436 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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