Dun Laoghaire RNLI launched on Saturday afternoon (25 April) to assist a yacht in difficulty near the Baily Lighthouse. The call came from the Irish Coast Guard after two sailors reported sail handling issues close to the traffic separation scheme.
The all-weather lifeboat launched under Coxswain David Branigan with four crew onboard. Conditions were described as sunny with a Force 3–4 wind, though seas were choppier near the casualty vessel.
On arrival, the crew found the yacht’s headsail wrapped around the forestay, making the vessel difficult to control. The sailors were safe but unable to make safe progress. They were advised to steer towards Dun Laoghaire into more sheltered waters.
Two crew members, Nathan Burke and Miguel Walker, were transferred onboard the yacht. They quickly resolved the tangled sail before remaining onboard during an escort back to Dun Laoghaire Harbour. The yacht was brought safely alongside without further incident.
Speaking after the call-out, Coxswain David Branigan said, “Given the potential risk of the yacht causing an obstruction in the busy shipping lane, the sailors made the right decision to call for help early today, and we were more than happy to assist.”
