By Dan Walsh
An 11-metre sailing vessel, with two persons on board, that sent out distress signals when approximately three nautical miles south-east of Hook Head was towed to safety by Dunmore East RNLI lifeboat yesterday.
The vessel had lost all power and called the Irish Coast Guard for emergency assistance. The Dunmore East RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were alerted at 6.16pm, the lifeboat was promptly launched and made best speed to the reported location.
Conditions at sea were described as moderate with one metre swell and winds at a Force 3-4.
The boat was towed to the nearest safe port at Dunmore East Harbour. Once the safety of the vessel and its crew was established back at port, the lifeboat was washed down and ready again for service by 9.30pm.
Liz Power, Lifeboat Operations Manager with Dunmore East RNLI said; “Today’s shout was a good reminder of the importance of being able to stay in touch by VHF radio or phone when you go out on the water. You never know when something can go wrong and you may need to call for help. If you get into difficulty or see someone in difficulty in the water, please dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
WexfordLocal.com 