Wicklow RNLI volunteers brought four people safely ashore on Tuesday night after their vessel suffered engine failure eight miles northeast of Wicklow Harbour.
The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O'Shea launched shortly after 9.30 pm under the command of Coxswain Tommy MacAuley. The casualty vessel was located 25 minutes later in calm conditions with light winds, slight seas and good visibility. A local workboat had responded first and remained on scene until the lifeboat arrived.
With the vessel disabled near the India Bank and nearby shipping lanes, Coxswain MacAuley decided that the safest option was to establish a tow. Greystones Harbour was identified as the nearest suitable refuge, and the casualty vessel was brought safely alongside at 11.45 pm. The volunteer crew returned to Wicklow Harbour at 12.15 am.
Night Watch — Wicklow RNLI volunteers bring the disabled casualty vessel safely alongside at Greystones Harbour after a Tuesday night tow from northeast of Wicklow. Photo: RNLI
Speaking after the callout, Launch Authority Adrian O'Connor praised the volunteer crew's response. "This was a quick response by our volunteer crew, with their training and equipment providing a successful outcome for all," he said.
"I'd like to remind anyone going on the water in this good weather to have a suitable means of calling for assistance. If you see anyone in trouble on the water, please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."
