Arklow RNLI involved in rescue of two people on yacht that gets into difficulty

A short time later, the charity’s volunteers launched the station’s all-weather lifeboat Ger Tigchlearr. The crew headed out of Arklow harbour directly and immediately commenced a search. Given the high-risk nature of the report, the Coast Guard also requested Wicklow RNLI and Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 to the area. The Irish Customs Cutter Faire was in the area and joined in the search.

With all vessels and the rescue helicopter now actively searching the area it wasn’t long before the vessel was located by the RNLI's colleagues in the helicopter. Following receipt of the position, Arklow RNLI Coxswain Ned Dillon, took Ger Tigchlearr to the position six miles south of Arklow.

Once on scene, one of Arklow RNLI crew members was put aboard the vessel to assist the two people which were aboard. The yacht had lost sails and then lost its back up engine power. The two people aboard were also assessed and found though a little shaken, to be ok to stay on the vessel.

A tow line was then set up and the yacht was taken on tow back to Arklow Port.

The other vessels and rescue helicopter were then stood down. Following the tow to Arklow all hands came ashore safely.

Following the rescue, Mark Corcoran, Community Safety Officer at Arklow RNLI said: 'With the country slowly getting back to the new normal following lockdown, lots of people are taking to the waves, we would like to remind anyone going to sea to always wear your lifejacket and carry a reliable means of calling for help like a VHF Radio and also ensure you plan effectively for your journey, Thankfully we were able to get to these two casualties in good time and bring them home safely. Thanks too to our colleagues from Rescue 116, Wicklow RNLI and the Crew of the Customs Cutter Faire for their assistance on this call out.'

Ends

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Mark Corcoran, Arklow RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0868260439, email [email protected] or contact Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager on 087 1254 124 or 01 8900 460 email [email protected]

RNLI online

For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.ie News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.ie/press

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations with 44 in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of the Coast Guard 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 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland and registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736)

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.