Helvick Head RNLI came to the aid of four sailors on Sunday evening (May 15) after they ran into difficulty and needed help in the Gold Coast area of Dungarvan.
With mild easterly winds and calm seas, the volunteer crew launched their inshore lifeboat at the request of the Irish Coastguard at 6.25pm. This follows a report from a member of the public who spotted the boaters waving from their speedboat which had broken down and was drifting with the tide.
The lifeboat helmed by Joe Foley and with crew members Alan Kelly, Simon O’Hara and Paidi Breathnach on board, was launched at 6.33pm and proceeded to the scene.
Once there, the crew assessed the situation and found that the injured were safe and sound. The outboard having suffered an engine failure, it was decided to tow it to shore.
After bringing the group to the nearest safe harbor at Ballinacourty Pier, the lifeboat returned to Helvick Head station at 7.15pm.
Speaking after the call, Kieran Rossiter, Helvick Head RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: ‘We commend the member of the public who did the right thing by calling for help when he saw the sailors were in trouble. We remind everyone planning a sea voyage to always be prepared. Wear a life jacket and be sure to bring a means of communication. If you get into trouble or see someone else in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coast guard.
