First call out for Wicklow RNLI crew member as fishermen brought to safety

The all-weather lifeboat Bridie O’Shea slipped her moorings from the South Quay at 8.40am following a request from the Irish Coast Guard. The lifeboat launched under the command of Coxswain Alan Goucher.

Thirty-five minutes later the lifeboat was alongside the 9m vessel 15 miles north of Wicklow Harbour. Conditions at the scene were blowing a south-westerly force 6. There was a moderate sea and good visibility.

Once alongside, the lifeboat crew carried out an assessment of the fishing vessel and found it had suffered mechanical failure and as the fishermen were unable to make any safe onward progress, a decision was made that the safest course of action was to tow the boat back to Wicklow harbour.

A towline was quickly set up, and the crew made their way to Wicklow Harbour. The fishing vessel was secured alongside the South Quay just before 12.30pm and the three fishermen were landed safely ashore.

Speaking after the call out, Connie O’Gara, Wicklow RNLI Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘Well done to trainee crew member Andrew McMenamin, who went to sea today on his first shout, we are very proud of his dedication and commitment.

'As we enter the summer months and expect more people to enjoy the water, we would encourage anyone planning a trip or activity at sea, to go prepared. Check weather and tide times, let someone know where you are going and when you are due back. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity. And always carry a means of communication. 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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RNLI Media Contact

For more information contact Connie O'Gara, Wicklow RNLI Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer at [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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