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Rosslare Harbour RNLI comes to aid of a sailing yacht with three aboard

Lifeboats News Release

Rosslare Harbour RNLI came to the assistance of a sailing yacht with three people aboard yesterday after it developed mechanical problems.

Rosslare Harbour RNLI volunteers

RNLI/Larry Dunne

Rosslare Harbour RNLI volunteers

The Rosslare Harbour lifeboat was requested by the Irish Coast Guard at 2.27pm yesterday (Tuesday 30 May). The lifeboat was launched at 2.45pm and reached the scene in Ballytrent Bay at 2.55pm.

The sea was rough at the time with a Force 6-7 north-easterly wind. Visibility was good.

A 44ft long sailing yacht had developed mechanical problems. Having assessed the situation and consulted with the three crew on board, a decision was made to tow the vessel to the nearest safe port at Rosslare Harbour. A tow line was secured at 3pm and the vessel was safely dropped alongside at 3.50pm.

All three yacht crew were wearing flotation devices and were safe and well.

Once the yacht was safely berthed, the lifeboat returned to the station at 4.15pm for refuelling and wash down.

Speaking following the call out, Jamie Ryan, Rosslare Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: 'We are enjoying some wonderful weather and would encourage everyone planning a strip on the water to go prepared. We would stress the importance of wearing proper flotation devices and having good communication equipment when at sea.'

The lifeboat volunteer crew were Coxswain Micheál Ferguson, mechanic Mick Nicholas, Paul McCormack, Dave McCusker, Keith Morris, Peter Carr and Conor Barry.

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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