#RNLI - Arklow RNLI’s volunteers were alerted by pager at 9.22am yesterday morning (Wednesday 20 August) and launched the lifeboat Ger Tigchleaar within minutes to a call for help from a local fishing vessel with engine problems.
In a moderate sea, the lifeboat crew – coxswain Ned Dillon, mechanic Michael Fitzgerald, Roger Tyrell, John Bermingham, Andy O'Loughlin and Jimmy Myler – proceeded to scene.
After locating the casualty vessel 11 miles south southeast of Courtown, the RNLI crew established a tow line and proceeded with the long slow tow back to Arklow, arriving at 11.30am.
The two crewmembers aboard the casualty vessel remained aboard during the tow home and all hands came ashore safely at Arklow.
Speaking following the incident, volunteer lifeboat press officer and sea safety officer Mark Corcoran said: “All persons who take to the water, whether for a living or for pleasure, must always wear their lifejackets and should always have a means of raising the alarm.
"Even with the years of experience these professional fishermen have, mechanical problems can still occur. Please don’t take chances when going to sea.”