Wicklow RNLI bring three fishermen to safety
Three fishermen were brought to safety by Wicklow RNLI on Saturday afternoon (10th February), after their 12metre vessel developed mechanical problems off the Wicklow coast.
The RNLI relief fleet all-weather Shannon lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea put to sea shortly after 12.50pm with a volunteer crew under the command of Coxswain Tommy McAulay, following a launch request from the Coast Guard. The alarm was raised after the skipper reported that his fishing vessel was fouled in ropes and drifting south.
Wicklow lifeboat was alongside the fishing vessel ten minutes after launching. An assessment was carried out and as the vessel had no propulsion due to a rope fouled propeller, the only option was to tow it back to Wicklow port.
Speaking after the callout Coxswain Tommy McAulay said:” We located the vessel about a half mile south of Wicklow Head, conditions in the area were lumpy, with a three-metre swell at times. The tow was slow at first due to the strong tidal flow at Wicklow Head, but we adjusted the course to take the boat further offshore where the tide was not as strong.”
The fishing vessel was secured alongside the South quay at 2.40pm and the three fishermen were landed safely ashore. This was the first call out of 2024 for the Wicklow lifeboat volunteers and comes in the run-up to the RNLI’s 200th birthday on 4 March 2024.
When going afloat we would remind everyone to check their engine and fuel, always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, and carry a means of calling for help. If you see someone in difficulty on or near the water, dial 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.
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.
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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.