Arklow RNLI launched to the aid of two fishermen on Monday (23 June) after their 10-metre vessel got into difficulty some seven nautical miles south-east of Arklow Harbour.
The volunteer crew assembled and launched the all-weather lifeboat Roy Holloway under the command of coxswain Eddie McElheron.
Just 20 minutes after receiving the distress call, the lifeboat crew of six arrived on scene to find the vessel adrift without propulsion in a fresh Force 5 westerly breeze.
After assessing the situation and noting that the boat could not make any safe onward progress, it was decided to tow the vessel to the nearest safe place at Arklow Harbour where the crew arrived at 3.15pm.
The crew on the call-out McElheron were mechanic James Russell, navigator Liam O’Neill, Roger Tyrell, Michael Mordant and Dave Molloy, with Alan Meehan acting as launch authority.
Mark Corcoran, Arklow RNLI lifeboat press officer said: “This call-out came just after the naming ceremony for our new lifeboat and reminds us of why the principal donor Roy Holloway left a legacy to the RNLI.
“He was inspired by the bravery of lifeboat crews after receiving a card one Christmas with an image of a bright orange lifeboat battling rough seas. His generous donation ensures our volunteers can go to sea and help people like they did today.
“We would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea this summer to go prepared. Carry a means of communication, always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity, check weather and tides in advance and let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”
