Dunmore East RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was called out on Saturday evening (27 July) to assist a vessel in distress some three nautical miles south-east of Hook Head.
The 11-metre yacht, with two people aboard, had lost all power and called the Irish Coast Guard for emergency assistance.
The Dunmore East RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were alerted at 6.16pm and the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat William and Agnes Wray was promptly launched, making best speed to the reported location.
Weather conditions at sea were described as moderate with a one-metre swell and winds at Force 3-4.
Once on the scene, the volunteer crew assessed the situation. Given the fact that the sailing vessel’s crew were unable to make safe progress under their own power, it was decided to establish a tow.
The boat was towed to the nearest safe port at Dunmore East Harbour. Once the safety of the vessel and its crew was established back at port, the lifeboat departed for station where it washed down and ready again for service by 9.30pm.
Liz Power, lifeboat operations manager with Dunmore East RNLI said on Saturday: “Today’s shout was a good reminder of the importance of being able to stay in touch by VHF radio or phone when you go out on the water. You never know when something can go wrong and you may need to call for help.
“If you get into difficulty or see someone in difficulty in the water, please dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”
