Kilmore Quay RNLI launch in the early hours to assist lone sailor

At the request of the Coast Guard, the volunteer crew of the all-weather Tamar class lifeboat, Killarney, launched at 3.21am on Monday morning (10 November) to assist a lone sailor when his yacht experienced engine failure approximately 9 nautical miles south east of Kilmore Quay. The lifeboat arrived on scene at 3.54am. Sea conditions at the time were described as moderate. Weather conditions were good, cloudy with westerly wind Force 5 to 6.

Having checked the person on board was safe and well, it was decided that the safest course of action was to establish a tow to bring the yacht back to the nearby harbour. With the tow established the lifeboat made its way back to Kilmore Quay arriving at 05.47am. The lifeboat returned to its berth in the marina and was made ready for service again.

Speaking following the call out, Eddie Byrne, Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘We would like to commend the sailor for raising the alarm when they knew they were in difficulty. It is always the right thing to do an we wish them well on their onward journey.’

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.