Youghal RNLI in East Cork responded to two callouts in less that two hours on Tuesday (19 July), coming to the aid of six people.
The volunteer lifeboat crew were first requested to launch at 4.37pm to aid a family that had been left to anchor their vessel due to engine failure one mile south of the lighthouse in Youghal and were drifting due to a falling tide and westerly wind.
Once on scene, the lifeboat crew observed that the family were all safe and well and all wearing lifejackets and did not require first aid. The crew assisted three family members onto the lifeboat while one crew member boarded the vessel and a towline was established.
The boat was then towed back to the Quays slipway in Youghal and two crew members assisted the safe recovery of the vessel by helping it back onto its trailer.
The lifeboat was back and ready for next service when the pagers went off again at 6.32pm to reports of a 28ft pleasure craft with two onboard that was experiencing engine difficulties due to overheating a quarter of a mile east of the Black Ball Ledge cardinal mark in Youghal Bay.
Weather conditions had changed a small bit since the first call and the sea state was now choppy but overall still clear and visible.
When the crew arrived at the location given they observed two men onboard that were both safe and well. They lifeboat assessed the casualty vessel and established a safe towline to bring the boat back to the pontoon in Youghal.
Speaking after the callouts, Youghal RNLI helm Liam Keogh said: “It was great to see on both calls today the people onboard had mobiles and rang for help. We would urge people to remember to bring any means of communication with you because you don’t know when you might need it.”
The back-to-back shouts also represented Alan Revins’ first since recently completing his helm training. He said: “This is an exceptionally busy time for all emergency services so please take care when you head out and enjoy the fantastic weather, stay safe and respect the water.
“If you think you’re in trouble or if you think you see someone else is in danger in or near the water call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”
