The volunteer crew of Wicklow RNLI rescued two people after their boat developed serious mechanical problems, leaving them drifting towards dangerous rocks.
The Irish Coast Guard called for assistance on Tuesday, September 8, following a report that a boat’s engine had failed, and the boat was drifting close to Wolf Rock, an islet off the coast of Wicklow.
Wicklow RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea slipped its mooring at 1.28pm, under the command of coxswain Nicky Keogh, and the crew located the boat 15 minutes later, five miles south of Wicklow Harbour.
At the time, the visibility was good, and a westerly wind was blowing at force 5-6, producing slight seas.
The boat was found to have been disabled by the mechanical issues it was experiencing, while the anchor also wasn’t holding due to the strong offshore breeze.
With these issues and as the boat’s close proximity to Wolf Rock, the coxswain decided to take the vessel under tow to the nearest safe port at Wicklow Harbour, where the boat was secured alongside the east pier at 3.50pm.
Speaking after the callout Wicklow RNLI launch authority Mick Nolan said: “This was a quick response by our volunteer crew with their training and equipment providing a successful outcome for all.
“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.”