Arklow RNLI launch to assist two people on sailing vessel
In the early minutes of Monday morning (3 April) at 12.05am the Irish Coast Guard requested the launch of Arklow RNLI's all-weatherifeboat.
Within minutes the volunteer crew had launched the lifeboat following a report that a sailing vessel had lost power and was adrift.
The volunteer crew made their way to the reported position and located the casualty vessel with two people aboard three miles south, south east of Arklow.
Upon arrival, aboard the Trent Class Lifeboat Ger Tigchlearr under Coxswain Ned Dillon approached the vessel to assess the situation, it was decided to set up a towline. In calm conditions a lifeboat crewmember was transferred to the casualty vessel to assist with rigging the towline.
Once the tow was established the lifeboat slowly proceeded back to the nearest safe port at Arklow with the casualty vessel in tow.
The crew for this call out were, Coxswain Ned Dillon, Brendan Dillon, Eddie McElheron, Aiden Downey,David Molloy, Aaron O’Neill and Josh McAnaspie.
Following the call out, Mark Corcoran, Arklow RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: 'Huge thanks to all of our crew who turned up this morning. The dedication of our volunteers who leave their beds to assist those in need is second to none. As we move into the Spring part of the year, we would remind boat owners to please make sure your engines are serviced and please check and re check all of your safety devices and equipment before going to sea.'
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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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