Lough Swilly RNLI assists 3 groups after boats break down in separate call outs

With the good weather at the end of June, there was higher activity at the coast, resulting in more call outs. On two occasions, the crew were requested to launch their Shannon class lifeboat by Malin Head Coast Guard while for the other, the crew were diverted from their weekly Tuesday night training exercise.

The difficulty experienced by the boaters in all three call outs was mechanical failures. Two incidents took place as daylight was fading, which meant time was of the essence in raising the alarm to make the most of good visibility in locating the vessels in natural light.

During all incidents, the coxswains carefully assessed the situation on arrival before deciding that the safest course of action was to establish a tow and bring those onboard to the nearest safe port. In each call out, the tow was carried out due to the absence of a more suitable vessel and given the risks associated with where the vessels were located at the time.

Commenting on the incidents, Joe Joyce, Lough Swilly RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘We would like to commend those onboard who took timely action by contacting the Coast Guard promptly when they knew they were in difficulty and unable to make any safe onward progress.

'As we now enter the months of July and August where we can expect our coast and sea to be busy, we would advise boaters to plan ahead and check their vessels in advance of their trip. Ensure to maintain engines regularly, carry adequate spares, and always carry a means of calling for help such as a VHF radio or mobile phone. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'

Ends

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact Bridgita Kelly, Lough Swilly RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer [email protected]

Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Ireland, 087 648 3547, [email protected]

Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Ireland, 087 125 4124, [email protected]

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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.

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