Second call out in two days for Helvick Head RNLI a false alarm with good intent
Helvick Head RNLI was requested to launch their inshore lifeboat yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 20 July) following a report that a sailor was in difficulty off Helvick Head.
With a slight sea swell and Force 4-5 north westerly winds, the volunteer crew launched the lifeboat at 4.20pm following the request by the Irish Coast Guard. It followed a report from a member of the public that a small yacht was struggling in the conditions three quarters of a mile east of Helvick Head.
The lifeboat, helmed by Paidi Breathnach and with crew members Alan Kelly, Simon O’Hara and Shay Young onboard, made its way to the reported location. However, shortly after arrival the lifeboat was stood down as it transpired the yacht wasn’t in difficulty and was sailing towards Dungarvan Harbour under its own power.
Speaking following the call out, Kieran Rossiter, Helvick Head RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: ‘This call out turned out to be a false alarm with good intent but we would commend the person who raised the alarm, reporting what they perceived as someone in difficulty. It is always better to be safe than sorry, safety is always our priority.
‘This was the second call out for the Helvick Head volunteers in two days in what has been a busy week for most RNLI stations as increasing numbers take to the water during the good weather.’
‘If you do get into difficulty or see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
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The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.
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