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Dunmore East RNLI Launches Early Morning Rescue for 2 Fishermen

Lifeboats News Release

Dunmore East RNLI volunteers launched in the early hours of this morning (09 February) to assess a situation where a 30ft fishing vessel that had lost power three nautical miles south of Brownstown Head. Two people were on board and in need of help.

RNLI / Karen Harris

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The pagers sounded at 3.11am, and our all-weather lifeboat, William & Agnes Wray, was launched into the darkness. They made best speed to the scene, assessed the situation, where a decision was made that the safest action was to set up a tow line given that the fishermen couldn’t make any safe onward progress. The vessel was safely brought back to the nearest safe port at Dunmore East Harbour, ensuring the safety of both crew members.

This shout was a significant milestone for two crew members. Coxswain David Murray led his first rescue, and Bill Deevy had his first service call in role as mechanic afloat.

Liz Power, Dunmore East RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: 'Being woken at 3 AM and heading straight out to sea isn’t easy, but that’s what our volunteers do. They train for moments like this, and their response was spot on. Well done to David and Bill on their first shouts in their new roles, and to the whole crew for a job well done.'

RNLI volunteers are on call 24/7, ready to respond at a moment’s notice. Their work is only possible thanks to public support.

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.

About the author

Peter Grogan
Lifeboat Press Officer, Dunmore East

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