Lone sailor rescued off Curracloe

By Dan Walsh

A lone sailor on an 8-metre yacht alerted the Irish Coast Guard that he was in difficulty off Raven Point, Curracloe, on Monday afternoon.

Rosslare Harbour RNLI were in turn tasked by the Coast Guard and the all-weather lifeboat launched at 4.23pm.

When the volunteer crew reached the scene at 4.33pm, they assessed the situation and liaised with the sole occupant. The yacht was taking on water.

Having assessed the situation, it was decided to attach a line and tow the vessel to the safety of Rosslare Harbour arriving there at 5.35pm. The sailor was safe and uninjured.

Weather conditions were good. Reasonable visibility, force 4 north-east wind, slight swell. There was no rain

Rosslare Harbour RNLI Launch Authority, Aidan O’Sullivan, paid tribute to the volunteer crew for an excellent service and outcome.

Aidan also stressed the importance of sailors having the necessary communications equipment on board. And wearing the proper safety equipment. And he reiterated the importance of calling the Irish Coast Guard on 999 or 112 when in difficulty in the water.