Wicklow RNLI come to the aid of a lone sailor in late night call out

The call for assistance from the lone sailor came as a result of the yacht being caught up in ropes near the Codling Bank.

The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea was launched at 11.10pm with a volunteer crew of six onboard led by Coxswain Tommy McAuley. In calm seas and calm winds, they made best speed to the casualty position arriving at 11.35pm.

Once on scene, the Coxswain made an assessment of the situation. With the yacht unable to make way, the proximity to the codling bank, being in a shipping lane and with no visible ropes in the water, it was decided the best and safest course of action would be to establish a tow and bring the casualty to a safe harbour.

However, with the tow set up they were unable to make any way as the yacht was found to be caught in ropes that were part of a line of pots. The Coxswain made the decision to transfer two crewmembers onboard the vessel. Using a grapple the crew members set about trying to free the ropes from the vessel.

The tow was then re-established and the yacht was secured safely alongside in Wicklow Harbour at 2.30am.

Speaking after the call out, Wicklow RNLI Coxswain Tommy McAuley said: ‘The sailor made the right decision in calling for assistance early before any further difficulties may have occurred. We would like to wish them well and I would like to commend the volunteer crew for their work during a challenging call out.

We would like to remind people especially with the good weather to wear a flotation device when going on the water and to carry a suitable means of communication. If you see anyone in trouble on the water please dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

Ends

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Connie OGara, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Wicklow RNLI at [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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