#RNLI - Arklow RNLI assisted the crew of a whelk fishing vessel which got into difficulty yesterday (Thursday 14 March).

The volunteer crew launched their all-weather lifeboat, the Ger Tigchlearr, shortly before 9am to go to the aid of a local fishing vessel.

The boat's crew had been fishing four miles south-east of Arklow Harbour when the vessel fouled its propeller.

The lifeboat was on scene within minutes and having ascertained the status of the casualty, the crew established a towline and proceeded to tow the stricken vessel back to Arklow Harbour.

The fishing boat's crew stayed aboard and all hands came ashore later at Arklow Harbour.

Following the callout, Arklow RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer and sea safety officer Mark Corcoran said: "Even in good conditions at sea, things can and do go wrong. 

"If anyone finds themselves in difficulty at sea they should call for help on 999 or 112 or call the coastguard on VHF radio."

The assist came a week after Arklow RNLI aided three fishermen whose vessel was adrift four miles off the Wexford coast, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.