Howth RNLI tow stranded yacht with five people aboard to safety
Howth RNLI launched the all-weather and inshore lifeboat yesterday (Monday 1 May) to reports of a sailing yacht with people aboard with steering failure at the entrance to Malahide estuary.
The inshore lifeboat was first on scene and located the casualty vessel just after 12 noon. The 30ft sailing yacht had five people aboard and was experiencing steering problems and unable to safely manoeuvre.
The all-weather lifeboat arrived on scene shortly after and secured a towline to the stricken yacht. The casualty vessel was towed to the safety of Howth marina.
The wind was Force 4-5 and the sea state was moderate at the entrance to Malahide estuary. Both the inshore and all-weather lifeboats returned to station and were stood down after the successful rescue.
Speaking following the call out, Ian Sheirdan, Howth RNLI Duty Coxswain said: ‘We were delighted to assist the five crew of the sailing yacht after they found themselves with no steering at the entrance to Malahide marina. They quickly radioed for assistance which was the correct thing to do and we were able to launch and tow the yacht to safety.’
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Notes to editors
- Howth RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since 1862. (Howth Lifeboat station was established prior to 1825 and was taken over by the Institution in 1862 from the Dublin Ballast Board) To learn more about the lifeboat station go to http://rnli.org/findmynearest/station/Pages/Howth-Lifeboat-Station.aspx
- A photocall will be held on Saturday morning at the lifeboat station. Please contact the lifeboat station press officer to register your attendance
- Coxswain Fred Connolly is available for interview
- A video of Howth Lifeboat on joint RNLI exercise with Clogherhead and Skerries lifeboats http://rnli.org/Pages/Video-Details.aspx?VideoItemID=CHYzSwBX
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Noel Davidson, Howth RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 086 2599531 or email: [email protected], Niamh Stephenson RNLI Media Relations Manager Tel: 087 1254 124 / 01 8900 460 email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Tel: 087 648 3547 / 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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.