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Clogherhead RNLI part of a multi-agency response to rescue fisherman and dog

Lifeboats News Release

Clogherhead RNLI part of a multi-agency response to rescue one fisherman and his dog

RNLI/Fiona Lynch

Crews from Clogherhead RNLI, Skerries RNLI and Drogheda Coast Guard were all involved in the rescue of a ten metre fishing boat with engine problems at the mouth of the River Nanny near Laytown County Meath.

The Dublin Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre put out a call at 5.17pm on Saturday evening (12 October) to go to the aid of a fishing boat with engine problems south of the River Nanny off the coast of County Meath. The skipper had his razor dredge deployed and was in no immediate danger.

The Clogherhead RNLI all-weather Shannon class lifeboat arrived in position at 5.30pm. The Skerries RNLI ILB and Drogheda Coast Guard inshore RIB were on scene also. There was only one person on board along with his four legged crew member, a German shepherd dog who regularly goes to sea.

After confirming that both the fisherman and his furry friend were safe and sound, Coxswain Tomas Whelehan and his volunteer crew established a towline to get the fishing boat back to Port Oriel. Assisted by Barry Sharkey, Mechanic and crew members Carol Holcroft, Barbara Kirk and Sean Flanagan, everyone arrived back safely in Clogherhead at 7.35pm with one very happy German shepherd wagging his tail alongside his skipper. The crew disembarked at 7.45 after getting the charity’s lifeboat the Michael O'Brien ready for its next service.

Clogherhead RNLI Coxswain Tomas Whelehan­ said: ‘We were very happy on this cold night to get this fisherman and his dog back to Port Oriel in calm sea conditions. All went well for us; the skipper made the right call to get help as soon as he realised he was in difficulty as he would have been unable to return to port without our assistance’.

For anyone working at sea it’s important to keep your vessel’s stability in mind so you can significantly reduce the risk of capsize, ensure your vessel is well maintained and make sure you can stay afloat in an emergency with a life jacket, 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.

Ends

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Fiona Lynch, Clogherhead RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 087 1254 124 or [email protected]

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.

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