Howth RNLI launches three times in 24 hours during busy weekend on the water
Howth RNLI launches three times in 24 hours during busy weekend on the water
Lifeboats News Release
The volunteer lifeboat crew of Howth RNLI launched their all-weather lifeboat on Saturday (27 July), and twice on Sunday (28 July) to assist sailors in difficulty
In all three incidents, each yacht had suffered engine failure east of Howth and due to light winds, and the sailors were unable to make their way to safety. The coxswain of the lifeboat transferred crew members onboard each yacht and the tow line was secured. The lifeboat proceeded to tow each yacht to safety at Howth Harbour.
Speaking following the call outs, Howth RNLI Coxswain Fred Connolly said: 'Our volunteer crew responded quickly to all three incidents over the weekend and we were able to safely tow three yachts and bring the sailors onboard to safety in Howth. The busy shipping lane in Dublin bay can become treacherous very quickly for a boat without power. It was crucial that the sailors called for help right away once they got into difficulty.
'As this spell of summer weather continues, we expect to see more people out on the water enjoying themselves. If you’re heading out on your boat you need to know how to keep you and everyone onboard safe. Make sure you can stay afloat in an emergency with a lifejacket, stay in touch with a radio or phone and stay put with a suitable anchor to secure your position.
If you do get into difficulty call the Coast Guard on VHF channel 16 or by phone on 999 or 112.'
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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.