
Busy weekend for Wicklow RNLI volunteers
Wicklow RNLI volunteers responded to two incidents over the weekend involving a vessel reported to be taking on water and a yacht with mechanical problems.
On Saturday (10 August) both lifeboats were launched to investigate reports of a vessel taking on water near the Silver Strand beach. The Inshore lifeboat was first on scene and began a search at the last reported position of the vessel.
Weather conditions in the area at the time were calm with good visibility. During the search contact was made with three people on a motorboat returning to Wicklow harbour. They said they had experienced some mechanical problems earlier, but a passing vessel gave assistance and they managed to restart the engine. They said they did not require any further assistance.
The lifeboat crews were stood down by the coast guard once they were satisfied the occupants were in no danger and were happy to return to Wicklow under their own power.
On Sunday (11 August) at 6.10pm Wicklow all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea slipped its moorings from the south quay following a coast guard launch request and proceeded north to assist a yacht with mechanical problems.
At 6.30pm the lifeboat crew located the eight-metre yacht with two occupants drifting north of the Six Mile Point. Conditions at the time were wind south westerly in direction force 2 with sea state slight.
Coxswain Tom McAulay carried out an assessment of the vessel, which had suffered mechanical problems and the engine had to be shut down. With no engine the yacht was unable to get back to shore, so a decision was made to establish a tow and bring the yacht back to Wicklow harbour.
The yacht was brought alongside the East pier at 7.30pm and the two sailors were landed safely ashore.
Speaking after the call out, lifeboat press officer, Tommy Dover said “When planning a trip afloat, always carry a suitable means of communication to be able to call for help should the need arise. Let someone know where you are going and when you are due back and remember if you get into trouble or see anyone in difficulty, dial 112 or 999 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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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.