Arklow RNLI launch to assist three onboard fishing boat that breaks down

The volunteer crew left their jobs and normal workday behind and within minutes of the alert were aboard RNLB Ger Tigchlearr and underway.

The lifeboat made its way to the reported position approximately nine miles south east of Arklow and close to the offshore Arklow sand banks.

The casualty vessel had reported engine failure and that she was adrift and unable to anchor.

As the lifeboat made its way to the location, another of Arklow RNLI’s Coxswain’s and crew members ,who were at work aboard a wind turbine transfer and maintenance vessel heard the request for assistance on the VHF radio. The work vessel was closer to the vessel which was by now approximately half a mile from the sandbanks and in real danger of being wrecked on the bank in the prevailing westerly wind and moderate sea conditions.

Following a consultation with the Coxswain of the lifeboat, the workboat crew were able to get a line safely aboard the vessel and rendered assistance by towing the casualty vessel away from the sandbanks for a time.

As this was in progress the lifeboat arrived on scene, the lifeboat crew then set up a tow line and were able to tow the casualty vessel with three aboard back home to Arklow.

Following the call out, Mark Corcoran, Community Safety Officer at Arklow RNLI said:

‘Thanks to the quick thinking and actions of our volunteers who were at work on the wind turbine vessel, Arklow RNLI was in the happy postion to tow this fishing vessel and her crew of three to safety. We would remind people to respect the water and always wear a lifejacket and carry a means of calling for help when going out on the water.’

Further water safety information can be found at www.respecthewater.com

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For more information please Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or [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.

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