Wicklow RNLI assist sailors in difficulty
Wicklow RNLI brought three sailors to safety after their yacht lost propulsion due to a rope fouled propeller off the Wicklow coast.
The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Joanna and Henry Williams slipped its moorings at the South quay at 10:28pm tonight (Monday 25 July) under the command of Coxswain Nick Keogh and proceeded to the stricken vessels last reported position.
Thirty minutes later the lifeboat volunteers located the 14-metre yacht entangled in ropes, seven miles offshore near the South India buoy. Weather conditions at the time were wind north westerly force five with moderate sea. The lifeboat crew assisted the sailors and freed the yacht from the obstruction.
Speaking after the callout, Coxswain Nick Keogh said: ‘As rope remained in the propellor and the yacht was unable to make any headway, we decided the best course of action was to tow the boat back to Wicklow harbour.’
A towline was established, and the yacht was brought alongside the East pier shortly before 00:45am on Tuesday morning and the three sailors were landed safely ashore.
If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble; Dial 999 or 112 or use VHF radio CH 16 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 142,700 lives.
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