Donate now

Wicklow RNLI brings three fishermen to safety after boat breaks down

Lifeboats News Release

Wicklow RNLI brought three fishermen to safety yesterday (Thursday 17 October), after their vessel developed mechanical problems a nautical mile east of Newcastle, Co. Wicklow.

RNLI/Connie OGara

Stock Photo of Wicklow RNLI Shannon class lifeboat.

The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O'Shea slipped her mooring at 12.15pm to reports of a fishing boat with engine failure. The lifeboat was under the command of Coxswain Nicky Keogh.

The volunteer lifeboat crew located the casualty vessel 10 minutes after launching in a position one mile east of Newcastle. Conditions on scene were wind from the west direction force 4/5, with moderate seas and good visibility.

After an assessment of the situation was carried out by the crew during which was it was observed that the fishermen could not make any safe onward progress, it was decided a tow was the best option given the boat's engine failure and the sea state at the time.

The tow was established, and a course set for the nearest safe port at Wicklow Harbour with the casualty vessel being secured alongside at 1.20pm.

Speaking after the call out, Wicklow RNLI Coxswain Nicky Keogh said: ‘All the volunteer crew's training for these types of conditions was put to very good use today. We would like to remind everyone to have an effective means of communication onboard such a VHF radio or mobile phone, in case of an emergency. That communication helped us locate the fishermen today.’

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.