Dun Laoghaire RNLI tows small boat with four people aboard to safety

The volunteer crew were alerted at 10.11pm by the Irish Coast Guard that one of the four occupants onboard the craft had swum to shore to raise the alarm that the engine had failed and that the craft was drifting. A volunteer crew at Dun Laoghaire RNLI had just completed a routine evening training session on the inshore lifeboat minutes earlier and were on hand to assist within minutes. As well as the casualty who swam ashore, two other calls for assistance came from members of the public who witnessed the scene unfold.

The inshore lifeboat helmed by Alan Keville launched back into the calm weather conditions, reaching the boat within minutes the crew saw that the vessel’s engine had failed.

The lifeboat crew observed that the three remaining people onboard were safe and well. The crew quickly assessed the situation before deciding to establish a tow line and bring the boat and occupants to the safety of Coal Harbour and ashore.

Speaking following the call out, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Helm Alan Keville said: ‘Those on the vessel did the right thing by wearing lifejackets. We would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea to always have a means of communication with you such as a VHF radio or a mobile phone and if you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

‘As we continue to enjoy the summer weather, we would remind everyone that basic preparation leads to heightened safety in an emergency. Always ensure your boat and engine are seaworthy and that you have enough fuel for your trip. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity and let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back.’

Ends

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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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