Rosslare RNLI rescues two people after yacht drifts on to rock armour

The eight-metre vessel was seeking shelter from the weather, that had worsened with a strong force seven north westerly gale, which was blowing into the mouth of Rosslare Harbour.

One of the yacht’s crew was able to leave the boat and make it on to the rocks. Due to high waves and the rocks, it was not possible to attach a towline to the yacht from the lifeboat.

Two volunteers from Rosslare RNLI successfully managed to get the remaining occupant off the boat from the landside of the harbour while the lifeboat stood off shore providing cover.  The couple were brought to the lifeboat station to get warm and recover from their ordeal. They were also provided with dry clothes.

Speaking after the incident Rosslare Harbour RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Jamie Ryan praised the efforts of the lifeboat volunteer who went down to help the woman who had remained on the yacht. ‘It was a challenging rescue in the early hours as the boat was getting dashed against the rocks and we needed to get the two crewmembers to safety. The best way to recover them was from the landside with the lifeboat providing cover from the sea.’

‘The boat has suffered major damage but the two people are recovering well from the incident.  The couple, who are not from Ireland, are being looked after by the people of Rosslare.’

Ends

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Jamie Ryan, Rosslare RNLI Volunteer Press Officer on 0872669046, 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]

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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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