Wicklow RNLI responds to three call outs over 24 hours

The pager sounded for the first time at 4pm on Friday (20 March) following reports of a pleasure boat with two people onboard which had rope caught around its propellor. The all-weather lifeboat Bridie O’Shea slipped its moorings at 4.07pm under the command of Coxswain Nicky Keogh.

Arriving on scene a short time later, the coxswain discussed the situation with the casualties. The rope was tightly wrapped around the propellor, and they had tried unsuccessfully to free it themselves. The boat was also suffering from some electrical issues and the VHF radio onboard was not functioning. Given how close the vessel was to shore and the strong spring tides at the time, it was decided by the coxswain that the best course of action would be to tow the casualty vessel the short distance back to the safety of Wicklow Harbour.

In calm seas and light winds, the lifeboat made steady progress back to the harbour and the casualty vessel was secured alongside at 4.45pm.

The second call out came when the crew returned to the station and followed reports of a missing person. The all-weather lifeboat was once again launched at 5pm. The inshore lifeboat Dennis-Audrey was launched 10 minutes later with Alan Goucher as helm. An extensive search was carried out by both volunteer crews but with nothing found and light fading, the crews were stood at 7.30pm before resuming a search early the next morning with the assistance of Arklow RNLI.

It was during this search that the third request for assistance was received at 10.20am. The all-weather lifeboat was requested to assist the crew of a fishing vessel which had suffered mechanical failure 13 miles northeast of Wicklow Harbour.

In calm seas and calm winds, the lifeboat made its way to the casualty position.

Once on scene an assessment was made of the situation. The vessel had lost all means of mechanical propulsion, and the electrics had stopped working meaning there was no means of communication.

Given this and the vessel’s proximity to the Codling Bank due to spring tides, a decision was made that the safest option was to take the vessel under tow back to the safety of Wicklow harbour. The vessel was secured safely alongside at 1pm and the all-weather lifeboat was stood down.

Speaking following all call outs, Joe Healy, Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘Our thoughts first and foremost are with the family of the missing person. We would also like to wish the crew of both vessels we assisted the very best, they were well prepared and did the right thing in requesting help when they knew they were in difficulty.

‘The 24-hour period from Friday to Saturday proved to be a true testament to the commitment of our volunteers. With five different crews launching six times in less than a day, it shows the selfless determination from all involved to help those in distress.’

Ends

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Connie O’Gara, Wicklow Lifeboat Press Officer on 0863616827 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]

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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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