Wicklow RNLI rescued three fishermen on Monday, March 18, after their boat suffered mechanical failure. The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O'Shea, under the command of Coxswain Alan Goucher, was called to the scene at 12.19 pm, 11 nautical miles northeast of Wicklow Harbour.
The volunteer lifeboat crew reached the casualty vessel within 30 minutes of launching despite challenging conditions with winds from the northeast at force 5/6, moderate seas, and good visibility. After assessing the situation, Coxswain Goucher decided that a tow was the best course of action.
The crew managed to establish a tow and set a course for the nearest safe port at Wicklow Harbour, with the casualty vessel secured alongside at 3.50 pm.
Speaking after the call-out, Coxswain Alan Goucher said, "All the volunteer crew's training for these types of conditions was put to very good use today. We would like to remind everyone to have an effective means of communication in case of an emergency. That communication helped us locate the casualty today."
The Wicklow RNLI operates two lifeboats, an inshore D-class lifeboat, and an all-weather Trent class lifeboat. The charity has been saving lives in Wicklow since 1857.