Wicklow RNLI assist motor launch with engine failure

The 12-metre motor cruiser with eight people on board had set out from Wales and was crossing the Irish sea to Malahide, when it developed mechanical problems and lost all propulsion. The skipper contacted the Coast Guard by marine VHF radio for assistance.

Wicklow lifeboat was alongside the casualty at 5.45pm about nineteen miles offshore. Conditions in the area were wind south east force 2, sea state was slight, and visibility was good. A tow line was established, and the motor cruiser was taken in tow back to Wicklow harbour.

The lifeboat brought the motor cruiser alongside the East pier at 8pm this evening and the eight people were landed safely ashore.

This was the fifth callout for the Shannon class lifeboat since going on station at Wicklow on Friday 5 April.

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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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