Four sailors were rescued by the Helvick Head RNLI on Friday afternoon after they experienced difficulties near Ballinacourty Lighthouse, southeast of Dungarvan.
A member of the public reported the incident to the Irish Coast Guard, who then requested the volunteer crew to launch their inshore lifeboat. The lifeboat, helmed by Joe Foley and with crew members Pat Devereux, Rian Kelly, and Michael Moore onboard, braved westerly Force 2-3 winds and mild seas to reach the scene at 2.30 pm.
Upon arrival, the crew assessed the situation and found the two male and two female casualties to be safe and well, all wearing their personal protective equipment (PPE). However, the 5-metre rigid inflatable boat (RIB) had suffered mechanical failure, prompting the decision to tow it to the nearest safe port. A tow line was established, and the boats safely returned to Helvick Head pier at 3.10 pm.
Nick Hannigan, Helvick Head RNLI Launching Authority, reminded everyone to always be prepared before heading out to sea. "Wear a lifejacket and be sure to carry a means of communication. Should you get into trouble or see someone else in difficulty, don’t hesitate and dial 999 or 112 asking for the Coast Guard," he said.