Youghal RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew rescued a family of three from their stricken yacht this morning (Friday 22 July) as it drifted towards rocks near Black Head in Youghal Bay.
The couple with their teenage son radioed for help after their 44ft yacht had lost power, leaving them slowly drifting towards the rocky shoreline
Youghal’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched at 6.42am and reached the 44ft yacht in just 10 minutes amid favourable conditions with a falling tide.
It emerged that a rope had become caught up in the yacht’s propeller and the vessel had lost all power.
The family onboard were experienced sailors and were travelling the world on their yacht for the last 10 years. The lifeboat crew found them to be safe with none requiring medical attention.
One volunteer crew member boarded the yacht and established a towline to bring it back to Youghal pontoon, where the family were handed into the care of Youghal Coast Guard who were awaiting their arrival.
Youghal RNLI deputy launching authority Mark Nolan said: “The family had a VHF radio onboard and didn’t hesitate to call the coastguard to alert the lifeboat for assistance when they experienced difficulty.
“This has been a very busy time for us here in Youghal with this being our fifth shout less than a week. We would urge people to always carry a means of communion and if they get into difficult to call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”