Volunteer lifeboat crew at Fethard RNLI in County Wexford were requested to launch their lifeboat yesterday morning (Friday 19 January) at 11.11 am to assist a broken down 24-foot fishing vessel.
Fethard RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched, made their way to Baginbun Head in force 3/4 winds and choppy sea conditions. After assessing the situation and learning that the boat had suffered a gearbox problem, the Helm of the lifeboat, Thomas Stafford, decided that the safest course of action was to tow the boat, with the crew on board, to the safety of Fethard Harbour.
Speaking after the call out, Volunteer Deputy Launch Authority Pete Barry said, ‘The crew went to sea, well prepared, with a means to call for assistance. It shows the importance of having the right equipment to call for help when you see someone in trouble on the water or are in difficulties yourself. The number to dial is 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’