Arklow RNLI volunteers launch to Mayday call
Arklow RNLI lifeboat volunteers were alerted by pager at approximately 7pm on a fine Mayday Sunday evening (1 May) .
RNLB Ger Tigchleaar was launched within minutes in response to a call for help from a vintage sailing vessel.
The vessel had suffered engine failure and was stranded just east of Arklow harbour.
The Arklow RNLI volunteer crew consisting of Coxswain Ned Dillon, Station Mechanic Michael Fitzgerald, Aiden Downey, Craig O’Reilly, Jimmy Myler, Eddie McElheron and Scott Heaney rushed to the lifeboat station, launched lifeboat Ger Tigchleaar and after locating the casualty vessel just outside Arklow Harbour, established a tow line and proceeded to tow the vessel safely back into Arklow.
The five experienced crewmembers aboard the casualty vessel remained aboard during the tow home and all hands came ashore safely at Arklow.
Speaking following the incident, Mark Corcoran, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer and Community Safety Officer said: 'On this the RNLI’s Mayday fundraising weekend, our fundraising team and boats crew have been busy with all kinds of fundraising events.
'Even after a long day of fundraising our dedicated volunteers turned up this evening en masse to go to the aid of the crew of this stricken vessel. We’re all very proud to be involved with the RNLI, so please give generously to the Mayday campaign to help keep us doing what we do, which is saving lives at sea.'
Notes to editors
For anyone who requires FREE impartial Water Safety Advice from our Community Safety Team, you can contact [email protected] or call Mark on 086 8260439 to book your advice aboard your boat or ashore or safety presentation or discuss your needs.
Ends
All Photos Mark Corcoran/Arklow RNLI
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Mark Corcoran, Arklow RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0868260439, email [email protected] or contact Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager on 087 1254 124 or 01 8900 460 email [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.