Marine Times

Dunmore East RNLI ensures safe return of three crew members stranded at sea

The Dunmore East RNLI lifeboat crew responded to a call of a fishing vessel in distress Wednesday evening (5th July).

Having been notified by the Irish Coast Guard, the emergency pagers went off at 19:07, alerting the crew to a situation 23 nautical miles southwest of Dunmore East. An 11m fishing vessel with a crew of three had encountered engine troubles, leaving them stranded at sea. The volunteer lifeboat crew immediately mobilised, and the all-weather Shannon class lifeboat, William and Agnes Wray, was quickly dispatched to the troubled vessel.

Conditions were favourable when the lifeboat initially set out from Dunmore East. However, as the evening progressed, the weather turned, with the wind increasing to gale force 6-7 accompanied by a moderate sea swell. Despite the challenging conditions, the RNLI crew pressed on to reach the stranded vessel.

Approximately 1.5 hours after the initial alert, the lifeboat arrived at the fishing vessel. The crew found the fishermen safe but immobilised due to the mechanical failure.

Dunmore East RNLI coxswain, Roy Abrahamsson, commented on the situation: "These incidents highlight the unpredictable nature of the sea. Even the most experienced and well-prepared crews can encounter problems. We commend the crew for making the correct decision to call for assistance when their engine failed."

Upon assessment, the decision was made to take the fishing vessel on tow back to the safety of Dunmore East Harbour. Despite the challenging conditions, the homeward journey was carried out without incident, and the fishing vessel was safely moored in Dunmore East Harbour and the lifeboat ready again for service at approximately 2am.

Continuously prepared to respond, the Dunmore East RNLI lifeboat station operates around the clock, seven days a week. We encourage all seafarers to uphold rigorous safety measures and equip themselves adequately for any unforeseen situations. Should you find yourself or witness others in maritime peril, make immediate contact with the Coast Guard by dialing 999/112 or through Marine VHF Channel 16.

Meanwhile further up the East coast .....

Wicklow RNLI bring five to safety

While our volunteer crew were undergoing assessments on Wednesday (5th July) they were tasked by the Coast Guard to go to the assistance of a 40-foot yacht with five people on board which had lost all power.

Wicklow all-weather lifeboat RNLB Ruth and David Arthur launched on Wednesday evening under the command of Coxswain Alan Goucher with an RNLI Trainer/Assessor on board. The launch was organised to carry out assessments on some of our volunteer crew.

During the assessment the Lifeboat was diverted to go to the assistance of a yacht which was losing all power and had three crew who were suffering quite badly from sea sickness.

The assessment was quickly and safely brought to a finish and the crew made their best speed to the casualty.

The crew located the casualty near the codling bank approximately 10 miles to the east of Wicklow Harbour. The casualty vessel had lost all power and had become unable to use the VHF and had no lighting.

The Coxswain made the decision given the loss of power, the seasick crew and closing darkness the best course of action was to take the vessel under tow and make way for Wicklow Harbour.

The conditions on scene were described as Wind South Westerly Force 4-5 with up to a 1-meter swell.

The tow took approx. 3 hours with the casualty vessel being safely secured alongside shortly after midnight.

The crew of the casualty vessel were brought into the lifeboat station to be looked after while transport was arranged to bring them to their destination.

The incomplete parts of the assessment will now be rescheduled for another date.

Speaking after the callout Coxswain Alan Goucher said “The crew were incredibly professional. The change in mindset from assessment to rescue happened instantly, allowing for a successful rescue. I look forward to the crew completing their assessments at a future date”.