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Wexford RNLI rescues two people after boat runs aground on rocks

Lifeboats News Release

Wexford RNLI rescued two people last night (Tuesday 20 June) after their boat ran aground on rocks

Wexford RNLI crew establishing a towline

RNLI/Lorraine Galvin

Wexford RNLI crew establishing a towline
The volunteer crew were just completing a routine training exercise when they were requested by the Irish Coast Guard at 9.30pm to go to the aid of two people on a motorboat that had grounded on rocks that form part of a tidal defence wall, known as the North Training wall.

The inshore lifeboat helmed by Lorraine Galvin and with crew members Ger Doran, Dave Murray and Kevin Fitzharris onboard, was quickly on scene at 9.35pm and the crew assessed the situation. Both onboard were safe and well. There was a strong tidal flow which required the crew to make careful calculations to pass a tow while avoiding damage to the lifeboat itself by the rocks. A tow was established at 9.50pm and the vessel was safely removed from the rocks and towed to the nearby boat club.

Weather conditions at the time were good, with a force 3 south easterly wind and good visibility.

Speaking following the call out, Lorraine Galvin, Wexford RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer said: 'A
strong tide made getting safely near the boat challenging but all the crew did a great job in assessing the options and successfully getting the crew and their vessel to safety. If anyone sees anyone in difficulty on or near the water, ring 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'

Shore crew last night was Dermot Whelan while the Deputy Launching Authority was Damien Lynch.

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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