Arklow and Courtown RNLI launch to reports of sinking fishing vessel
On Friday last (14 May) at 9.18am the Irish Coast Guard requested the launch of Arklow RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat.
Within minutes the volunteer crew had launched following a report that a fishing vessel with two people onboard was in danger of sinking nine miles south- south east of Arklow, near Courtown.
The volunteer crew made their way to the area off Saleen Beach near Tara Hill, where flank station Courtown RNLI had also been requested to launch their inshore lifeboat and was already on scene.
When Courtown RNLI had arrived on scene, there were other fishing boats attempting to tow the vessel to safety and the stricken vessel’s crew had managed to stem the flow of water into the boat. Also on scene was the Irish Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter Rescue 116 from Dublin.
Upon arrival, Arklow RNLI’s Trent Class lifeboat Ger Tigchlearr was able to set up a tow and proceeded to tow the casualty vessel home to Arklow in calm seas.
The crew for this call out were, Coxswain Ned Dillon, Eddie McElheron, Austin Gaffney, Craig O’Reilly and Dave Molloy.
Following the call out Mark Corcoran, Arklow RNLI Community Safety Officer said: ‘It’s great to see all of the various agencies working together helping to save lives at sea and in our communities. Thankfully this call out became lower risk due to the actions of the vessel’s own crew. We would encourage anyone going to sea to ensure they always have a means of calling for help and always wear your lifejacket.’
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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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