Wicklow RNLI volunteers brought three fishermen to safety on Tuesday morning (26 May) after their vessel’s engine developed mechanical problems 10 miles north-east of Wicklow Harbour.
The all-weather lifeboat Bridie O’Shea slipped its mooring at 8.20am under the command of coxswain Nicky Keogh and reaches the casualty vessel some 35 minutes later. Conditions on scene had an easterly Force 1-2 wind with calm seas and good visibility.
With the casualty vessel disabled by its mechanical issues, plus its proximity to the Codling Bank and shipping lanes, and with no other vessels available to help, Keogh assessed that the best course of action was to take the vessel under tow to a safe harbour.
It was decided that due to the ebb tide, Wicklow Harbour was the safest harbour, and the casualty vessel was secured alongside at 10.30am.
Speaking after the call-out, launch authority Mick Nolan said: “This was a quick response by our volunteer crew with their training and equipment providing a successful outcome for all.
“I’d like to remind anyone going on the water in this good weather to have a suitable means of calling for assistance.”
The call came not long after an eventful Sunday (24 May) for the lifeboat crew, with a launch following reports of four people in difficulty in the water at Silver Strand beach.
The all-weather lifeboat Bridie O’Shea and the inshore lifeboat Dennis Audrey were both launched just before midday and made best speed to Silver Strand in good conditions and calm seas.
Arriving on scene a short time later with the Dublin-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 already in attendance, the inshore lifeboat with helm Alan Goucher at the controls made its way onto the beach to gather information about what had happened.
Meanwhile, Nicky Keogh in command of the all-weather lifeboat initiated a search for the four casualties.
It was quickly established by the inshore lifeboat crew that the four people had managed to make it safely ashore and required no further assistance. All assets were then stood down by the coastguard and returned to station.
Speaking later, Keogh said “This was an incredibly quick response by the volunteers here at Wicklow RNLI. We were happy to hear that everyone was safe and well. We would like to remind people if they see anyone in trouble in the water to please dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”
