Helvick Head RNLI assists four sailors off Ballinacourty Lighthouse
Helvick Head RNLI came to the aid of four sailors on Friday afternoon (25 August) after they got into difficulty and needed assistance near Ballinacourty Lighthouse, southeast of Dungarvan.
Following a report from a member of the public, the Irish Coast Guard requested the volunteer crew to launch their inshore lifeboat. Heading into westerly Force 2-3 winds and mild seas, the lifeboat, helmed by Joe Foley and with crew members Pat Devereux, Rian Kelly and Michael Moore onboard, made its way to the scene arriving at 2.30pm.
The crew assessed the situation and found the two male and two female casualties to be safe and well, all wearing their personal protective equipment (PPE). As the 5m rigid inflatable boat (RIB) had sustained mechanical failure, a decision was made to tow it back to the nearest safe port. A tow line was established and the boat and lifeboat arrived safely back to Helvick Head pier at 3.10pm.
Speaking following the call out, Nick Hannigan, Helvick Head RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: ‘We would remind anyone planning a trip to sea to always go prepared. Wear a lifejacket and be sure to carry a means of communication. Should you get into trouble or see someone else in difficulty, don’t hesitate and dial 999 or 112 asking 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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