
Wicklow RNLI assist two people onboard motor vessel with rudder failure
Both Wicklow RNLI lifeboats were involved in an operation to assist two people on a motor vessel in Wicklow Bay yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 17 April).
The motor boat was about one mile north of Wicklow Harbour when it developed rudder problems and the two occupants were unable to steer the vessel back to the harbour. They contacted the Coast Guard and the lifeboat volunteers were alerted by pager a short time later.
The inshore lifeboat crew were alongside the drifting vessel two minutes after launching and quickly established a tow line.
Weather conditions in the area were wind southerly force five with a one metre swell. The all-weather lifeboat was also launched and assisted the Inshore crew while the motorboat was berthed safely alongside the East pier in Wicklow harbour.
The crew on the call out were Helm David O’ Leary, Graham Fitzgerald and Ian Thompson on the inshore lifeboat and Deputy Coxswain Tommy McAulay, mechanic Brendan Copeland, Carol Flahive, Dean Mulvihill, Brian Sinnott and Ian Heffernan on the all-weather lifeboat.
Ends
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.