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Wicklow RNLI bring two people to safety after 7m boat breaks down
Wicklow RNLI's volunteers brought two people to safety (Tuesday 8 September), after their vessel's engine developed mechanical problems 5 miles south of Wicklow Harbour on Tuesday afternoon.
The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea slipped its mooring at 1.28pm under the command of Coxswain Nicky Keogh. It followed a request from the Irish Coast Guard following a report that the casualty boat's engine had failed and the boat was drifting close to Wolf Rock.
The volunteer lifeboat crew located the boat 15 minutes after launching. Conditions on scene were wind from a westerly direction, force 5-6, with slight seas and good visibility.
With the vessel disabled by its mechanical issues, the anchor not holding with the strong offshore breeze and the proximity to Wolf Rock, Coxswain Keogh assessed that the safest course of action was to take the vessel under tow to the nearest safe port at Wicklow Harbour where the boat was secured alongside the east pier at 3.50pm.
Speaking after the call out, Mick Nolan, Wicklow RNLI Launch Authority said: ‘This was a quick response by our volunteer crew with their training and equipment providing a successful outcome for all. I’d like to remind anyone going on the water in this good weather to have a suitable means of calling for assistance. If you see anyone in trouble on the water, please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Connie OGara, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Wicklow RNLI, [email protected]
Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Ireland, 087 648 3547, [email protected]
Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Ireland, 087 125 4124, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
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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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.