Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat volunteers were called to action over the weekend to respond to two separate incidents involving vessels in distress.
The first incident took place on Saturday, August 10th, when both lifeboats were launched to investigate reports of a vessel taking on water near Silver Strand beach. Despite the calm weather conditions and good visibility, the Inshore lifeboat initiated a search at the last reported position of the distressed vessel. However, it was later determined that the occupants of a motorboat returning to Wicklow harbour had experienced some mechanical problems but were able to restart the engine with assistance from a passing vessel. They confirmed that they did not require further assistance, and the lifeboat crews were stood down by the coast guard.
Wicklow RNLI inshore lifeboat - investigated reports of a vessel taking on water near Silver Strand beach
The following day, on Sunday, August 11th, the Wicklow all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea received a launch request from the Coast Guard and headed north to assist a yacht experiencing mechanical problems. The lifeboat crew located the drifting eight-metre yacht with two occupants north of Six Mile Point. Despite the slight sea state and gentle southwesterly winds, the yacht's engine had failed, leaving it unable to return to shore. Coxswain Tom McAulay assessed the situation and decided to establish a tow, successfully bringing the yacht back to Wicklow harbour. The two sailors were safely landed ashore at 7:30 pm after the yacht was brought alongside the East pier.
