Youghal RNLI’s volunteer crew in East Cork were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat at 4.03pm on Sunday (9 June) to assist a sailor onboard a 35ft yacht that had suffered steering failure some two miles south of Mine Head Lighthouse.
The request came from the Irish Coast Guard following a report that a sailor had been experiencing problems with steering and requested assistance.
Weather conditions were cloudy with a moderate breeze and a choppy sea state.
Around 20 minutes after launching, the lifeboat crew arrived on scene and located the vessel. One crew member boarded the boat and assisted the sailor to rig an emergency steering tiller, which was successful in getting the vessel moving.
Upon further assessment of the situation, a decision was made that the lifeboat would escort the sailor to the safety of Helvick Head harbour in Co Waterford.
Helvick Head RNLI’s lifeboat later launched and once on scene, one crew member went onboard the casualty vessel and the lifeboat from Helvick Head then escorted the sailor back to the safety of the harbour.
Youghal RNLI was stood down and their crew member was transferred back to the lifeboat which then returned to station.
Speaking after the call-out, Youghal RNLI helm Liam Keogh said: “The owner of the boat made the right decision in calling for help as soon as they experienced difficulty, allowing both lifeboats to assist in returning the sailor to safety.
“Anyone can experience difficulty once on the water so we encourage everyone to carry a means of communication before heading out to sea. Should you get into difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”