Helvick Head RNLI assists four sailors in broken down speedboat off Dungarvan
Helvick Head RNLI came to the aid of four sailors yesterday evening (Sunday 15 May) after they got into difficulty and needed assistance in the Gold Coast area of Dungarvan.
With mild easterly winds and calm seas, the volunteer crew launched their inshore lifeboat at the request of the Irish Coast Guard at 6.25pm. It followed a report from a member of the public who spotted the sailors waving from their speedboat which had broken down and was drifting with the tide.
The lifeboat helmed by Joe Foley and with crew members Alan Kelly, Simon O’Hara and Paidi Breathnach onboard, launched at 6.33pm and made its way to the scene.
Once on scene, the crew assessed the situation and found the casualties to be safe and well. As the speedboat had sustained engine failure, a decision was made to tow it back to shore. After bringing the group to the nearest safe port at Ballinacourty Pier, the lifeboat returned to Helvick Head station at 7.15pm.
Speaking following the call out, Kieran Rossiter, Helvick Head RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: ‘We would commend the member of the public who did the right thing by calling for help when they saw the sailors were in difficulty. We would remind anyone planning a trip to sea to always go prepared. Wear a lifejacket and be sure to carry a means of communication. Should you get into trouble or see someone else in difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
Ends
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.