Tramore RNLI volunteers launched their inshore lifeboat last Friday (16 October) to assist two people aboard a small fishing boat that had suffered engine failure off the Waterford coast.
The crew’s pagers sounded at noon following a request to launch from the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), which had received a report that the fishing vessel had lost engine power one mile south of Great Newtown Head.
Weather conditions were initially calm, with a north-easterly Force 3–4 wind encountered as the lifeboat passed the headland.
On reaching the fishing boat, it was determined the vessel was unable to make any safe onward progress or make its own way back to harbour.
The lifeboat crew assessed the conditions and the safety of those aboard. It was decided that a tow was considered the safest option, and the vessel and its two occupants were brought safely back to Tramore Pier following a 30-minute passage.
The lifeboat was helmed by Conor McCarthy, with volunteer crew members Will Palmer, Peter Kelly and James Moynihan aboard. The call-out marked Moynihan’s first operational shout as a volunteer lifeboat crew member.
Speaking following the call-out, Tramore RNLI helm Conor McCarthy said: “It was a good outcome, with both people and their boat brought safely back to shore. It was also James’s first shout, and he did a great job alongside the crew.
“Engine failure can happen unexpectedly, so we’d remind anyone heading to sea to carry a reliable means of calling for help. If you get into difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”
