Wicklow RNLI brings five people to safety after boat gets into difficulty
Wicklow RNLI brought five people to safety yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 5 June) after their vessel developed mechanical problems five and a half miles south of Wicklow Harbour.
The all-weather lifeboat Joanna & Henry Williams slipped its mooring at 4.10pm to reports of a white rib with five people onboard which had developed engine failure. The lifeboat under the command of Coxswain Nick Keogh was followed quickly by the inshore lifeboat Dennis Audrey helmed by Paul Sillery.
The volunteer lifeboat crews located the vessel approximately 15 minutes after launching in a position five and a half miles south of Wicklow Harbour. Conditions on scene were blowing a north westerly force 2-4 wind and there were slight seas and good visibility.
Once on scene, the crews assessed the situation. Given the fact that the rib was unable to make safe progress without any means of propulsion, a decision was made to establish a tow. The rib was towed by the inshore lifeboat to the nearest safe location at Jacks Hole.
The vessel was secured alongside a short time later and all five casualties were assessed as being ok with no further attention required.
Speaking after the call out, Connie O’Gara, Wicklow RNLI Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer said: 'This was a quick response by the crew and that along with their training helped bring the five people safely ashore and we wish them well.
'As we approach summer, we would like to remind people planning a trip at sea to ensure they have a suitable means of communication to be able to call for help should the need arise. Let someone know where you are going and when you are due back and if you get into trouble or see anyone in difficulty, dial 112 or 999 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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