Wicklow RNLI and Arklow RNLI launched to assist yacht with fouled propeller
Wicklow and Arklow lifeboats were launched in the early hours of Sunday morning (9 August) following a Coast Guard Launch request to assist a solo sailor, after his propeller got fouled in ropes.
The initial report indicated the vessels position was a few miles north of Arklow port, but the yacht was located by Arklow lifeboat about two miles south of the Horseshoe Buoy near Wicklow head. The eight-metre yacht was fouled in ropes and unable to make any headway. Conditions on scene were sea state slight with wind north west force three.
Arklow lifeboat transferred a crew member onto the yacht to assist the sailor and free the obstruction from the prop. A towline was established with Wicklow Lifeboat before 4am and the stricken yacht was towed back towards Wicklow harbour.
Wicklow Lifeboat brought the vessel alongside the South Quay shortly before 6am and landed the solo sailor safely ashore.
Speaking about the call out, Lifeboat Press Officer for Wicklow RNLI, Tommy Dover said: ‘This was a good combined team effort with Arklow RNLI to bring the sailor to safety’
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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