Skerries RNLI tow motorboat with two on board to safety
Skerries RNLI volunteers were paged shortly before 2pm yesterday (Monday 05 May) after one of the volunteer crew raised the alarm that a motorboat, with two men on board, had suffered engine failure south of Shenick island.
The volunteers in Skerries launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat “Louis Simson” and navigated around the headland at Red Island before proceeding directly towards the position given by the casualty.
The vessel was quickly spotted and the lifeboat was soon alongside. It was confirmed that they had suffered an engine failure and were unable to return to shore under their own power. The helm decided that with no other boats in the area the best course of action was to tow the vessel to the nearest safe harbour in Skerries.
A tow was established and the vessel was brought safely back to Skerries. The lifeboat was then recovered and made ready for the next service.
Conditions at the time were force two northeasterly wind with a smooth sea and excellent visibility.
Speaking after the call out, volunteer lifeboat press officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said “No matter how well prepared you are, and how well maintained your vessel is, sometimes things can go wrong at sea. That’s why our volunteers are always ready to respond to a call for help, 24 hours a day 7 days a week.”
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].
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.