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Clogherhead RNLI comes to aid of fisherman after razor boat gets into difficulty

Lifeboats News Release

Clogherhead RNLI came to the aid of a fisherman yesterday after their razor boat broke down nine miles north of Clogherhead.

RNLI Clogherhead lifeboat going to sea on a rescue

RNLI/Clogherhead

RNLI Clogherhead lifeboat

The volunteer crew were requested by the Dublin Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre to go to the fisherman’s aid shortly before 8am (Wednesday 25 September). The boat’s engine had failed.

The all-weather Shannon class lifeboat, the Michael O'Brien, was launched under Coxswain Tomas Whelahan with mechanic Barry Sharkey and crew members Brian Sharkey, Carol Holcroft, Derek Shevlin and Paraic Costello onboard, on what was a crisp autumn morning with calm sea conditions.

On arriving on scene near Gyles Quay, nine miles north of Clogherhead, the crew proceeded to assess the situation. The fisherman was safe and well but due to the boat having sustained engine failure and unable to make any safe onward progress, a decision was made that the best course of action was to establish a towline and bring the vessel to the nearest safe place, at Port Oriel.

Speaking following the call out, Clogherhead RNLI Coxswain Tomas Whelahan­ said: ‘This was a straightforward call out in good weather conditions and we were happy to help the fisherman as the boat had lost all power and they wouldn’t have made it back to shore safely unaided.

‘We would remind anyone planning a trip to sea to go prepared checking weather and tide times, ensuring your vessel is maintained and has enough fuel for the trip and that you wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity. Let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back and carry a means of communication should you get into difficulty. If you do get into trouble or see someone else in need of help, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

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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