The lifeboat crew was called into action on Thursday night (20 April) at 8.05pm by the Irish Coast Guard after they were alerted that a lone sailor aboard a 30ft yacht was in difficulty after the vessel lost power approximately one mile south east of Dunmore East harbour.
The volunteer crew, led by Coxswain Roy Abrahamsson, responded promptly to the call and reached the stranded yacht swiftly in calm conditions. The vessel was on the final stages of a long passage from the UK and encountered difficulties on the last leg. To ensure the safety of the sailor, the team established a tow line to bring the yacht back to Dunmore East harbour.
The crew from the Port of Waterford pilot boat who were on scene first as they were in the area at the time, checked in with the sailor and stood by in a support capacity ensuring the safety of the sailor until the lifeboat arrived.
Thanks to the combined efforts of the lifeboat crew, pilot boat and the sailor, the yacht was successfully towed to the harbour, arriving safely by 9pm.
Reflecting on the incident, Dunmore East RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer, Peter Grogan said: 'The sailor did the right thing calling for assistance and we were happy to help. When going afloat we would remind everyone to check their engine and fuel, always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, and carry a means of calling for help. If you see someone in difficulty on or near the water, dial 999/112 or use Marine VHF Channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.'
The RNLI Shannon Class all-weather lifeboat William & Agnes Wray was returned to its berth, washed down and ready for service once more at 9.30pm.
Ends
Adam Sweeney / RNLI
Casualty vessel being towed into Dunmore East Harbour
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.