Wicklow RNLI assist fishing vessel with rope fouled propeller
Three fishermen were brought to safety by Wicklow RNLI on Thursday afternoon (22 February), after their vessel developed mechanical problems three miles southeast of Wicklow Head.
The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea slipped its moorings at 2.50pm from the South Quay and put to sea under the command of Coxswain Nick Keogh.
The lifeboat crew was alongside the casualty vessel ten minutes later. The fishermen had deployed their anchor after losing propulsion while fishing for whelk and contacted the Coast Guard for assistance. Conditions in the area at the time was wind south easterly in direction force 4, with moderate sea and good visibility.
Speaking after the call out Coxswain Nick Keogh said, ‘We carried out an assessment on the 12-metre fishing vessel and found that a rope was fouled in one of the propellers, so we established a tow and brought it back to Wicklow port.’
The fishing vessel was brought alongside the south quay just before 4.20pm, where the three crew were landed safely ashore.
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. Most importantly 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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