Late night call out for Wicklow RNLI volunteers.
Wicklow RNLI brought two people to safety Friday night (Friday 1 May), after their yacht was dismasted 10 miles east of Wicklow Harbour.
The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea slipped its mooring at 11.20pm to reports of a yacht with two people on board which had been dismasted 10 miles east of Wicklow Harbour.
The volunteer lifeboat crew under the command of Coxswain Nicky Keogh located the vessel approximately 25 minutes after launching in a position eight miles east of Wicklow Harbour. Conditions on scene were calm wind, with slight sea swell and good visibility.
With the broken mast, the vessel had no working navigational lights or working VHF making the task of locating them in the darkness more difficult. The skipper of the yacht had made the call for assistance using their mobile phone. The volunteer crew located the casualty using the onboard radar and were also aided by the skipper of the yacht signalling with a flashlight.
Once on scene, the volunteer crew assessed the situation. With no navigation lights and no working VHF, the yacht was in a precarious situation in a busy area for ships. Also, with no other vessels in the vicinity to assist, the decision was made to tow the casualty vessel to the nearest safe harbour which was Wicklow harbour.
The vessel was secured alongside at 1.20am and both casualties were assessed as being ok with no further attention required.
Speaking after the callout Wicklow Lifeboat Press Officer Connie O’Gara said 'This was a quick response by the crew and that along with their training helped bring two people safely ashore and we wish them well.
As we approach summer, we would like to remind people planning a trip at sea to ensure they have a suitable means of communication to be able to call for help should the need arise. Let someone know where you are going and when you are due back and if you get into trouble or see anyone in difficulty, dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.'
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.
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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.