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Dunmore East RNLI assists yacht south of Hook Head with 2 people on board

Lifeboats News Release

On Tuesday 12 May at 19.33, the volunteer crew of Dunmore East RNLI launched their Shannon-class, all-weather lifeboat to assist a 35ft sailing vessel which had lost both engine and electrical power approximately four miles south of Hook Head.

Image of Hook Head lighthouse at sunset

RNLI / Peter Grogan

Image of Hook Head lighthouse at sunset
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The alarm was raised after the vessel encountered difficulties at sea and requested assistance from the Irish Coast Guard. Dunmore East RNLI launched promptly with volunteer crew onboard and made their way to the casualty vessel.

Once on scene, the lifeboat crew assessed the situation. As the sailing vessel had lost both engine and electrical power and was unable to make safe passage under its own power, it was decided that the safest course of action was to establish a tow. The vessel was then brought safely back to harbour in Dunmore East.

Speaking following the call out, Joe Molloy, Volunteer Coxswain for Dunmore East RNLI said: ‘The crew onboard the yacht did the right thing by seeking assistance early once they encountered difficulties. Good communication and an early request for help are always important at sea. We would also like to thank all of our volunteer crew, both afloat and ashore, for their response and teamwork during the call out.'

The RNLI is reminding all water users to ensure their vessels are well prepared before heading to sea, including checking engines, batteries, communications equipment and weather conditions. Always carry a means of calling for help and, in an emergency, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard

RNLI / David O'Halloran

Yacht being towed back to Dunmore East
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RNLI / Peter Grogan

Dunmore East RNLI lifeboat being washed down and prepared for service
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RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Peter Grogan, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Ireland, [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]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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.

About the author

Peter Grogan
Lifeboat Press Officer, Dunmore East

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