Courtown RNLI rescues three men after 5m boat breaks down
Courtown RNLI rescued three men yesterday afternoon (Sunday 16 July) after their rigid inflatable boat encountered engine problems and was drifting out to sea.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat at 5.32pm by the Irish Coast following a report that the boat with three onboard was in difficulty two miles out from Courtown Pier.
The lifeboat launched shortly after at 5.45pm with helm Rob Ireton and crew members Hazel Woods and Mark Conn onboard. The crew arrived on scene just before 6pm.
The weather conditions were favourable at the time with a slight south easterly wind and calm seas with a slight chop.
Once the lifeboat was on scene, the crew assessed the situation and found that the men were safe and well. They had only left Courtown harbour following a refreshment break when their engine failed two miles out. The crew fixed a tow rope to the 5m rib and the lifeboat proceeded to tow the boat safely into shore.
The lifeboat then returned to station where the shore crew were waiting to assist with washing the lifeboat and leaving it ready for the next call out.
Speaking following the call out, Jim Murphy, Courtown RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: 'We were delighted to help the three men who got into difficulties this afternoon. All three were wearing their lifejackets and had a means of communication to raise the alarm, two things we would always recommend and encourage.
'We would remind all boat owners to maintain their craft and always have a means of calling for help. Should you get into difficulty or see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'
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