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Wicklow RNLI launch to French yacht in difficulties

Lifeboats News Release

Wicklow all weather lifeboat was called out this afternoon (Thursday 15 June) out to the French yacht Kei Ki Wei in difficulties four miles east of Wicklow harbour.

Wicklow lifeboat towing the french yacht to the safety of Wicklow harbour.

RNLI/Wicklow

Wicklow lifeboat arriving with the French yacht at Wicklow harbour
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Weather conditions in the area were wind westerly force five , with slight sea and good visibility. A Customs vessel in the area also stood by the yacht until the lifeboat arrived.
Second Coxswain Ciaran Doyle brought the lifeboat alongside the casualty to transfer crew member Terry Sillery onto the yacht to assist the sailors , who had encountered mechanical problems with the engine and were unable to motor into the harbour. A towline was quickly established and the French yacht was taken back to Wicklow harbour.

The yacht with two French sailors which was on passage north for Dun Laoghaire, was brought safely alongside the East pier at Wicklow harbour shortly after 5-30pm this evening.

This was the second callout for the volunteer crew within a 24 hour period.

Speaking after the callout, Wicklow RNLI Operations Manager Des Davitt 'We are thankful for the services of the crew from the Customs cutter RCC Faire, who gave assistance and stood by the casualty until the lifeboat arrived.'

The crew on the callout were Coxswain Ciaran Doyle, Mechanic Brendan Copeland, Tommy McAulay, Terry Sillery, Kevin Rahill, Connie O Gara and Ian Thompson.

ends
Lifeboat crew secure the french yacht alongside the East pier at Wicklow harbour

RNLI/Wicklow

Lifeboat crew secure the french yacht alongside the East pier at Wicklow harbour
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Wicklow RNLI secure the french yacht safely alongside the pier at Wicklow harbour

RNLI/Wicklow

Wicklow RNLI secure the french yacht safely alongside the pier at Wicklow harbour
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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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About the author

Tommy Dover
Lifeboat Press Officer, Wicklow Lifeboat Station

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