Union Hall RNLI comes to the aid of two sailors off Glandore Harbour
Union Hall RNLI came to the aid of two sailors who got into difficulty seven miles south off Glandore Harbour last night (Tuesday 16 June).
The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat by the Irish Coast Guard at 8.53pm after the sailors who were taking part in a race, got into difficulty when the rigging in the foresail of their 6.5m yacht was damaged and became disabled.
The inshore lifeboat helmed by Tim Forde and with crew members Ríona Casey, Michael Limrick and Cathal Deasy, launched and made its way to the scene.
Weather conditions at the time were good and calm with a Force 2-3 south westerly wind and moderate to slight seas.
Arriving on scene, the lifeboat crew observed the sailors who were both wearing lifejackets to be safe and well. While they were making headway unaided, it was evident that with a disabled foresail and the yacht relying solely on its main sail, the vessel would not be able to safely enter the harbour without help.
A decision was made for the lifeboat crew to escort the yacht to the mouth of the harbour where on arrival it was decided the safest course of action would be to establish a tow to ensure the yacht could safely manoeuvre into the environs of the harbour.
Speaking following the call out, Tim Forde, Union Hall RNLI Helm said: ‘We would like to wish both sailors all the best as they continue in their race today. They made the right call last night when they knew they were in difficulty and wouldn’t be able to make safe onward progress.
‘We would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea to always go prepared. Always wear a lifejacket, always carry a means of communication and always let someone know where you are going and when you are due back. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 ask for the Coast Guard.’
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RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact Nuala McAloon, RNLI Communications Manager at [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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