Youghal RNLI rescues family from yacht in fifth lifeboat callout this week
Youghal RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew rescued a family of three from their stricken yacht this morning (Friday 22 July) as it drifted towards rocks near Black Head in Youghal Bay. A couple with their teenage son radioed for help after their 44ft yacht had lost power
Youghal RNLI Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat launched at 6.42am and reached the 44ft yacht in ten minutes. A rope had become caught up in the propeller and the vessel had lost all power. The family onboard were experienced sailors and were travelling the world on their yacht for the last 10 years. They radioed for help when they ran into trouble as they became concerned they would end up on the rocks.
Weather conditions were favourable with a falling tide. Once arriving on scene the crew observed that the family were safe and didn’t require medical attention. One volunteer crew member boarded the yacht and established a towline between the lifeboat and the vessel. The lifeboat towed the yacht back to Youghal pontoon where the family were handed into the care of Youghal Coast Guard who were awaiting their arrival.
Youghal RNLI Deputy Launching Authority Mark Nolan said; ‘The family had a VH1 radio onboard and didn’t hesitate to call the Coast Guard to alert the lifeboat for assistance when they experienced difficulty. This has been a very busy time for us here in Youghal with this being our fifth shout less than a week. We would urge people to always carry a means of communion and if they get into difficult to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
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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