Valentia RNLI assist fishing vessel with three people onboard
Valentia RNLI volunteers launched their all-weather lifeboat yesterday (Saturday 05 June) to assist a 43ft fishing vessel with three people onboard, which required assistance.
At 08.55am the Valentia Coast Guard requested Valentia RNLI’s volunteer crew to launch the all-weather lifeboat and to go to the aid of aid of three people onboard a 43ft fishing vessel, with a fouled propeller close to the rocks at the Blasket Islands. Weather conditions at the time were described as good visibility, a two metre swell with a force two-three southernly wind.
At the location the lifeboat crew came along side the vessel to assess the situation and moved the vessel to a safer location. The crew ensured all occupants onboard were safe. After initially trying to defoul the vessel it was decided the best option was to set up a tow. The vessel was then towed safely back to Valentia Marina.
Speaking following the call out, Colum O’Connell Valentia RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: Although the crew on board the fishing vessel were experienced, they knew it was the right decision to call for help to prevent the situation from getting worse. As we enter the summer season we would remind everyone going to sea to always carry a means of communication, wear a life jacket and respect the water.'
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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