Wicklow RNLI brought two people safely ashore after their seven-metre boat suffered engine failure five miles south of Wicklow Harbour on Tuesday afternoon (8 September).
The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea launched at 1.28 pm under Coxswain Nicky Keogh following a request from the Irish Coast Guard.
The alarm was raised after the boat’s engine failed and the vessel began drifting close to Wolf Rock. The volunteer crew located the casualty vessel around 15 minutes after launching.
Conditions at the scene included a Force 5-6 westerly wind, slight seas and good visibility.
With the boat disabled, its anchor failing to hold in the strong offshore breeze and Wolf Rock nearby, Keogh decided the safest option was to tow it to Wicklow Harbour. The vessel was brought alongside the harbour’s east pier at 3.50 pm.
Wicklow RNLI Launch Authority Mick Nolan praised the response by the volunteer crew.
“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.”
