Fethard RNLI rescues two adults and their dog during second launch in 24 hours
Fethard RNLI came to the aid of two adults and their pet dog yesterday evening (Friday 27 August) after their 18ft boat suffered engine failure and was drifting on a flood tide.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat shortly at 7pm after a call to the Irish Coast Guard from a vessel experiencing engine difficulties one nautical mile north of Duncannon.
Arriving on scene, the lifeboat crew assessed the situation and made the decision to tow the vessel and it occupants out of danger of the Waterford Estuary shipping channel to the safety of port.
Weather conditions at the time were good with a light easterly breeze and a flood tide.
Speaking about the call out, Fethard RNLI Helm Eoin Bird, said: ‘The crew of the vessel made the right decision to call for help as soon as they did, as the broken-down vessel had drifted into the Waterford Estuary shipping lane. It’s also important to note that you should always call 999 or 112 even if your own mobile phone network has no coverage, as your phone will try to connect to any other available network.’
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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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