Valentia RNLI assists three people onboard a support vessel with engine failure
Valentia RNLI volunteers launched their all-weather lifeboat on Wednesday last, (8 May) to assist a 25ft support vessel with three people onboard, escorting a paddle boarder completing a challenge around Ireland.
At 10.55am Valentia Coast Guard requested Valentia RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat to go to the aid of the vessel which had broken down three miles west of Ventry Harbour, Dingle. Weather conditions at the time were described as good with clear visibility and a force 5-6 wind and a 3m swell.
The vessel was on a passage escorting the paddle boarder completing a charity challenge clockwise around Ireland. The paddle boarder set off from Inchydoney Beach in Cork on 1 May and is making his way around Ireland within 50 days. They were on route to Slea Head, Dingle for yesterday’s starting point when the vessel suffered engine failure.
Arriving on scene the lifeboat crew assessed the vessel and people on board. It was decided a tow would be set up and the vessel was taken back to Dingle Harbour. Also on scene providing cover at the time was the Irish Navy Service, Le Samuel Backett.
Speaking following the call out, Valentia RNLI Coxswain Richard Quigley said: ‘The crew onboard the boat did the right thing in calling for help early. We encourage everyone to always carry a means of calling for help and keep it within reach. We would like to wish everyone involved in this challenge all the best in the rest of their trip around Ireland.’
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