Late night call out for Wicklow RNLI
Shortly after 11pm this evening (Saturday 19 June) as many people were preparing for bed, Wicklow RNLI volunteers were leaving their homes around the town to assemble at the lifeboat Station following a Coast Guard pager alert.
Ten minutes later at 11:13pm Wicklow RNLI all-weather lifeboat slipped its moorings at the south quay and proceeded north to investigate reports of a yacht experiencing difficulties south of Greystones.
The yacht with three people onboard was located 4 miles south of Greystones at 11:45pm. Weather conditions at the scene were good with calm sea and light airs.
An assessment was carried out and the yacht was found to have a rope fouled in the propellor, efforts were made by the lifeboat crew to free the obstruction, but some rope remained tangled in the propellor shaft. This prevented the engine being started and the yacht making its own way to port.
Coxswain Keogh made the decision that undertaking a tow to Greystones harbour was necessary and the safest way to assist the sailors. The yacht was brought alongside Greystones Marina at 00:45am on Sunday morning and the three sailors landed safely ashore.
The Lifeboat crew then proceeded back to Wicklow harbour arriving back on station at 1:30am
Speaking after the callout, Wicklow RNLI Press officer, Tommy Dover said: ‘This was the first callout by the all-weather lifeboat crew using the new towing equipment.’
The crew on the callout were Coxswain Nick Keogh, Mechanic Tommy Murphy, Graham Fitzgerald, Paul Sillery, John Stapleton and Ian Thompson.
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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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.