Clogherhead RNLI volunteers were tasked by the Irish Coast Guard on Thursday 16 November to come to the aid of two drifting vessels.
Following the request at 1.48pm to assist the two drifting vessels near the entrance to Carlingford Lough, the Clogherhead volunteers launched their all-weather Shannon class lifeboat immediately under coxswain Sean Flanagan with five crew members onboard.
When the lifeboat reached the scene at around 2.30pm, Kilkeel RNLI were already on standby. Sea conditions were calm at the time with good visibility and a southerly wind blowing.
It was found that one vessel was towing another and the leader vessel had broken down. Both vessels with crew on board were drifting towards the shore. A local trawler had towed both vessels away from the shore to safety.
Having assessed the situation, for the safety of the crew on board, a decision was made for Clogherhead’s volunteers to establish a towline to the leader vessel which was done successfully.
Both vessels were then towed back to the nearest safe port at Port Oriel in Clogherhead. The lifeboat arrived in Port Oriel at 5.30pm where Clogherhead Coast Guard provided assistance with locating a berth for both vessels. The crew on the vessels were seen safely ashore.
Speaking following the call-out, Flanagan said: “It was very important that the crew of the drifting vessels contacted the coastguard for assistance. Most importantly they were wearing lifejackets.
“With the help of Kilkeel RNLI, volunteers we were able to assess the situation in a short space of time and thankfully, on this occasion, there was no risk to human life. We also appreciated the help of our colleagues in Clogherhead Coast Guard.
“Should you get into difficulty at sea always call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”
