By Dan Walsh
Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat rescued five people this afternoon after their 9-metre motorboat suffered engine failure near the Saltee Islands.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard at 1.54 pm and promptly made its way to the scene north of the Great Saltee.
Visibility was good with a light westerly breeze, Force 2 to 3. Sea conditions at the time were described as slight.
Arriving at the location at 2.18 pm, the lifeboat crew checked that everyone on board the vessel was safe and well before assessing the situation.
Taking into consideration the position of the drifting boat, it was decided that the safest course of action was to establish a tow to bring the disabled craft back to shore.
The lifeboat was soon under way to the nearest available harbour at Kilmore Quay arriving at 2.50 pm without further incident.
Speaking following the call out, Coxswain Aidan Bates said; “We were very pleased that there was a successful outcome to today’s call out. Being able to respond so quickly is due to the equipment and training our volunteer crew receive.
“As a charity, the RNLI depends entirely on public generosity, which is why we’re hoping there will be a big turnout for our annual Lifeboat Day this Bank Holiday Sunday, August 2nd here in Kilmore Quay,” concluded Coxwain Bates.
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