Three fishermen were brought to safety by Wicklow RNLI on Tuesday evening (21 February) after their vessel developed mechanical problems seven miles south of Wicklow port.
The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Joanna and Henry Williams slipped its moorings at 5.20 pm from the South Quay as darkness fell and put to sea under the command of Coxswain Nick Keogh.
The lifeboat crew located the fishing vessel fifteen minutes after launching five miles east of Wicklow Head. Conditions in the area at the time were wind southerly in direction force 4, with a moderate sea and good visibility.
Coxswain Keogh carried out a quick assessment on the 18-metre vessel, it was found that the steering had locked, and this was preventing the fishermen from getting back to port under their own power. Their only option was to drop anchor and call for assistance.
A tow line was established, and the course was set for Wicklow harbour. The fishing vessel was brought alongside the East pier at 7.20 pm and the three fishermen were landed safely ashore.
Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Wicklow RNLI, Tommy Dover said: ‘This was a quick response by the crew this evening, which resulted in three fishermen coming ashore safely. It was also the first ‘Shout’ for Ian Thompson as a new navigator, the role is very important at sea, where time is important and accurate headings are required to ensure the lifeboat gets to a casualty as quickly as possible; we were delighted he recently qualified as an all-weather lifeboat navigator after completing a rigorous training programme.’
