By Dan Walsh
Three people were rescued by Kilmore Quay RNLI this morning (Monday) after their becalmed yacht experienced engine failure 30 miles off the Wexford coast.
The call came via a request from the Irish Coast Guard shortly after 9am. Weather conditions at the time were fair, with some fog, light winds and calm seas.
The conditions prevented the crew of the 10.5 metre yacht from using sail power. The subsequent engine failure meant the yacht was becalmed and unable to move.
The lifeboat under Coxswain Philip Walsh with five crew members onboard immediately launched and made its way to the scene 30 miles south of Kilmore Quay arriving at 11.11am.
The lifeboat crew checked that all onboard the yacht were safe and well before assessing the situation with the vessel. A decision was made to establish a towline and return to the nearest port, which was Kilmore Quay. The passage back to port with the vessel under tow took just over three and a half hours.
Arriving back in the harbour at 2.50pm, the casualty vessel was secured alongside the marina assisted by the Kilmore Quay unit of the Irish Coast Guard. The lifeboat returned to its berth and was made ready for service again by the crew.
Speaking following the call out, Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Grace, said; “Even the best maintained equipment can have unexpected problems, which is why it is so important to carry a means of communication when heading out to sea. If you find yourself in difficulty, or you see someone in trouble, on or near the water, call the Coast Guard on 112 or 999.”
WexfordLocal.com 