Wicklow RNLI comes to aid of lone sailor in the early hours of the morning
Wicklow RNLI's volunteers launched in the early hours of yesterday morning (Sunday 24 September) to assist a sailor after their yacht had mechanical and electrical issues off Wicklow Harbour.
The all-weather lifeboat Joanna & Henry Williams slipped its mooring at 2am. The crew had been paged by the Irish Coast Guard at 1:48am.
The casualty vessel, a 36ft sailing yacht was found approximately a half mile northeast of Wicklow Harbour. The conditions on scene were described as rough seas with force 6-7 wind coming from the northwest.
After an assessment of the situation by Coxswain Tommy McAuley, it was decided the best course of action was to take the vessel under tow for the short trip back to the harbour.
The casualty vessel was secured safely alongside at about 2.45am.
The volunteer crew then made the lifeboat ready for service.
Speaking after the call out, Wicklow RNLI Coxswain Tommy McAuley said: 'The hours of darkness always adds an extra challenge to a call out but the crew are very well prepared with the training they undertake throughout the year.
'We would remind people when going on the water to wear a lifejacket and have a suitable means of communication to call for help should the need arise. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'
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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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