Dún Laoghaire RNLI launched its all-weather lifeboat early on Saturday to assist three fishermen on a disabled vessel off the Wicklow coast.
The call came at 7.35am from the Irish Coast Guard after a 40-foot fishing boat suffered engine failure while at anchor.
The lifeboat arrived at 8.15am, south-east of Bray Head, in choppy seas with winds force five to six, gusting up to 35 knots.
Coxswain Stuart Kane assessed the scene and requested the recovery of the fishing vessel’s anchor to establish a safe tow.
The vessel was towed to Wicklow Harbour and brought alongside at 11.15am after a three-hour operation.
The lifeboat returned to station around lunchtime and was made ready for further service. The total call-out lasted more than six hours.
Six volunteer crew were onboard, supported by shore crew at Dún Laoghaire RNLI station.
Speaking afterwards, Coxswain Kane said: “We are proud of our dedicated volunteer crew at Dún Laoghaire Station, who have been on call throughout the Christmas and New Year season.”
He added: “Today’s shout was the first call-out of the new year, but the second this week for Dún Laoghaire station.”
Launching Authority Kevin Byrne said an inshore lifeboat had also been tasked on New Year’s Eve.
“Our crew assisted An Garda Síochána during a search for a child separated from their parents at a fireworks display,” he said.
“Thankfully, the child was found safe ashore and reunited with their family.”
