Union Hall RNLI assists two sailors after yacht encounters difficulty
Union Hall RNLI came to the aid of a yacht with two people onboard this evening (Thursday 13 July), after the vessel got into difficulty half a mile east of Castlehaven harbour.
The volunteer lifeboat crew was alerted at 5.26pm by Valentia Coast Guard to reports of a yacht approximately 28 feet in length that had got into difficulty after an object got tangled in its propeller. The lifeboat launched at 5.35pm, and within 10 minutes the crew members were on scene.
Weather conditions at the time were good and the sea was calm.
Two whale watching boats Voyager and Liscannor Star stood by the casualty vessel until the lifeboat arrived. Upon arrival the volunteer crew thanked the vessels crews for their assistance and proceeded to work with the two men onboard to attach a tow line to the boat.
The yacht was towed to the safety of Reen pier and tied up before the lifeboat returned to Union Hall joined by a pod of dolphins alongside.
Speaking following the call out, Peter Deasy, Union Hall RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: 'We were happy to assist the sailors this evening on what was the first call out for our only female crew member Sarah Browne. Our advice to all seafarers is to always respect the water. Always wear a lifejacket, carry a means of communication and let someone know what time you leave and what time you are due back. Should you get into difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'
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RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Pamela Deasy, Union Hall RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0863202073 or e-mail [email protected]/[email protected] or contact Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Ireland on 0876483547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Ireland on 0871254124 or 018900460 or email [email protected]nion Hall RNLI
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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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