By Dan Walsh
Rosslare Harbour RNLI came to the aid of two sailors last Thursday after the all-weather lifeboat was requested by the Irish Coast Guard at 3.20am and went to the aid of two people after their 10-metre yacht got into difficulty off the Wexford coast.
The lifeboat under Coxswain Eamonn O’Rourke and with six crew members onboard, launched immediately and made its way to the scene at South Blackwater Buoy, some 12 nautical miles north of Rosslare Harbour.
The night-time weather conditions were described as good with a Force 3 wind and a calm sea.
Arriving on scene, the lifeboat crew observed that the two male sailors were safe and well. The yacht had got into difficulty when it experienced engine problems.
Having assessed the situation, a decision was made to tow the yacht and her crew safely back to Rosslare Europort, where the operation ended successfully at 6.40am.
Speaking following the call out, Jamie Ryan, Rosslare Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: “We were delighted to help the sailors and we wish them a safe onwards journey. I would also like to commend our selfless and dedicated team of volunteers who despite the early hours of the morning responded without hesitation to go to aid of the sailors.
“We would remind anyone planning a trip to sea to always go prepared. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable buoyancy aid for your activity and always carry a means of communication. Always let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard,” concluded Mr. Ryan.
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