#RNLI - Rosslare Harbour RNLI assisted three men onboard a yacht yesterday evening (Wednesday 3 May) after it got into difficulty off the Wicklow coast.
The all-weather lifeboat, under coxswain Eamonn O’Rourke and with six volunteer crew members onboard, launched at 6.40pm to the 13m yacht, which developed engine problems while travelling north.
The yacht’s progress was further hindered by the difficult weather conditions, with a strong north-easterly wind blowing Force 6-7.
After reaching the yacht off the Wicklow coast, the lifeboat crew proceeded to take it on tow and headed to the port of Arklow.
Arklow RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat, which had completed another callout at the time, met the vessels and was able to take over the tow, continuing on to Arklow.
Speaking after the callout, Rosslare Harbour RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer Jamie Ryan praised the efforts of the volunteers who had to endure some challenging sea conditions.
“As we continue to enjoy the good weather and enter into the main boating season, we would remind all those taking to the sea over the summer months to respect the water.
“Always wear a lifejacket and always have a means for calling and signalling for help, ensuring everyone onboard knows how to use it.
“Always check the weather forecast and tide times and make sure someone ashore knows where you are going and who to call if you don’t return on time.”
The rescue came less than a week after Rosslare Harbour’s all-weather lifeboat went to the aid of a yacht with a broken mast off Tuskar Rock, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.