Double vessel rescue carried out by Clogherhead RNLI

Following a request by the Irish Coast Guard at 1.48 p.m. to go to the scene of two drifting vessels in the proximity of the entrance to Carlingford Lough, the Clogherhead volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather Shannon class lifeboat immediately under Coxswain Sean Flanagan with five crew members onboard.

When the Clogherhead lifeboat reached the scene of the two drifting vessels at approximately 2.30 p.m. Kilkeel RNLI were already on standby at the scene. Sea conditions were calm at the time with good visibility and a southerly wind blowing. It was found that one vessel was towing another and the leader vessel had broken down. Both vessels with crew on board were drifting towards the shore. A local trawler had towed both vessels away from the shore to sea safety.

Having assessed the situation, for the safety of the crew on board, a decision was made for Clogherhead RNLI volunteers to establish a towline to the leader vessel which was done successfully. Both vessels were then towed back to the nearest safe port at Port Oriel, Clogherhead. The lifeboat arrived in Port Oriel at 5.30 p.m. where Clogherhead Coast Guard provided assistance with locating a berth for both vessels. The crew on the vessels were seen safely ashore.

Speaking following the call out, Clogherhead RNLI Coxswain Sean Flanagan said: “It was very important that the crew of the drifting vessels contacted the Coast Guard for assistance. Most importantly they were wearing lifejackets. With the help of Kilkeel RNLI volunteers we were able to assess the situation in a short space of time and thankfully, on this occasion, there was no risk to human life. We also appreciated the help of our colleagues in Clogherhead Coast Guard. Should you get into difficulty at sea always call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

Ends

Key facts about the RNLI

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.