Wicklow RNLI bring five people to safety
While Wicklow RNLI's volunteer crew were undergoing assessments on Wednesday (5 July) they were requested by the Irish Coast Guard to go to the assistance of a 40ft yacht with five people onboard which had lost all power on the Codling Bank.
The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Ruth and David Arthur launched on exercise at 7pm and were diverted shortly after 8.30pm. The lifeboat under the command of Coxswain Alan Goucher with five crew members and an RNLI Assessor Trainer onboard made its way to the scene.
During the assessment, the lifeboat was diverted to go to the assistance of a yacht which was losing all power and had three crew who were suffering quite badly from sea sickness.
The assessment was quickly and safely brought to a finish and the crew made their best speed to the casualty.
The crew located the casualty near the Codling Bank approximately 10 miles to the east of Wicklow Harbour. The casualty vessel had lost all power and had become unable to use the VHF and had no lighting.
The Coxswain made the decision given the loss of power, the seasick crew and closing darkness to take the vessel under tow and make way for the nearest safe port at Wicklow Harbour.
The conditions on scene were described as blowing a south westerly force 4-5 wind with up to a 1m swell.
The tow took approximately three hours with the casualty vessel being safely secured alongside shortly after midnight. The crew of the casualty vessel were brought into the lifeboat station to be looked after while transport was arranged to bring them to their destination.
The incomplete parts of the assessment will now be rescheduled for another date.
Speaking after the call out, Wicklow RNLI Coxswain Alan Goucher said: 'The crew were incredibly professional. The change in mindset from assessment to rescue happened instantly, allowing for a successful rescue. I look forward to the crew completing their assessments at a future date'.
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, Twitter 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.