Rosslare Harbour RNLI called to assist two onboard yacht off Tuskar Rock
Rosslare Harbour RNLI volunteers launched their all-weather lifeboat at 00.40 this morning (Friday 28 April), following a call for help from a yacht with two men onboard.
The 15m yacht broke its mast in the early hours on a passage from Kinsale in County Cork to Howth in County Dublin. The yacht was four miles south of Tuskar Rock lighthouse off the Wexford coast when it got into difficulty.
The two men onboard were experienced sailors. As there was an amount of rigging and rope in the water, they decided not to run the engine for fear of fouling the propeller.
They were quick to call for help and the Irish Coast Guard requested the all-weather lifeboat from Rosslare Harbour to launch.
The weather at the time was favourable with a moderate sea swell and a northerly wind of Force 3 to 4.
Once on scene, the lifeboat crew towed the sailing vessel into the shelter of Rosslare Europort where it was tied up at 4am.
Speaking following the call out, Jamie Ryan, Rosslare Harbour RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer commended the quick action of the two crew aboard the yacht: ‘They did the right thing this morning and raised the alarm when they started toencounter problems. Our volunteers responded rapidly and we were delighted to help the vessel and her crew safely to shore.
‘We would remind anyone taking to the sea over the Bank Holiday weekend and on into the main boating season to respect the water. Always carry a means of calling for help and keep it within reach. Wear a personal floatation device. Check the weather and tides. Tell someone elsewhere you are going and when you will be back. Wear appropriate clothing for the conditions and your trip.’
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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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