The volunteer lifeboat crew of Howth RNLI launched their All-Weather Lifeboat this evening (Saturday, October 19th) to rescue a lone sailor who was unable to make his way safely ashore ahead of Storm Ashley.
The sailor had left Strangford, in Northern Ireland, earlier today and was making his way to Dun Laoghaire on Dublin Bay. As darkness set in, the sailor was unable to make progress due to the flow of the tide, and given the deteriorating weather, he contacted Dublin Coast Guard to request assistance.
The Howth RNLI crew were paged just before 7pm and launched the All-Weather lifeboat within ten minutes with seven crew on board. Sea conditions were good with moderate southerly winds, which were forecast to strengthen through the night.
The lifeboat made its way to the sailor, who was on board a 35 foot yacht, located five miles North of Howth, close to Lambay Island.
The coxswain manoeuvred the lifeboat alongside the yacht and a crew member was transferred across. The crew member assessed the sailor who was fatigued but otherwise in good health.
A tow line was secured to the yacht and the lifeboat took the yacht under tow to the safety of Howth Harbour.
Speaking following the incident, Howth RNLI second coxswain, Ian Sheridan, who was in command of the lifeboat said: “Given a yellow wind warning is coming into effect at midnight tonight until 3am on Monday associated with Storm Ashley, the sailor did the right thing in calling for help when he did before the weather deteriorates and things could have gotten worse.
Storm Ashley could lead to dangerous and uncertain conditions as strong winds hit the coasts across Ireland tonight and tomorrow.
If you plan on visiting the coast, the RNLI advise the public to stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea. It is not worth risking your life.
Cold water shock is a very real danger for anyone entering Irish waters. If you find yourself in trouble unexpectedly in the water, remember to Float to Live; lie back in the water, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing.
Remember, if you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – you may end up in difficulty too.”
The RNLI's safety advice is:
- Stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges
- Check the weather forecast and tide times before you go
- Take a phone with you
- In an emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
