Arklow RNLI launched to a request to assist 2 vessels in need of assistance following a Launch Request from the Irish Coast Guard .
The volunteer crew left their Saturday evening events and the cup final and within minutes of the request were aboard RNLB Ger Tigchlearr and underway.
In good conditions, The Allweather Trent Class lifeboat Ger Tigchlearr made its way to the reported position just North of Cahore point.
Once on scene the casualty vessels were located and it was confirmed that there were 2 vessels, one yacht which was being towed North by a powerboat which had suffered engine trouble, when this occurred the yacht had taken over the tow.
Arklow lifeboat put a crewmember aboard the yacht to assist during the tow and once the towline was established both vessels were then taken on tow North by Arklow Lifeboat.
During the tow the towline parted.
In the meantime Courtown RNLI had also been tasked and arrived on scene a short time later, given that night had fallen in around the rescue and for the immediate safety of both casualty vessels and their combined crew of 2, a decision was made to take both casualty vessels into Courtown Harbour.
Both boats were towed safely into Courtown by Courtown Lifeboat while Arklow Lifeboat stood by where all hands came ashore safely.
Arklow Lifeboat then returned to base.
Arklow RNLI’s Volunteer crew on this shout were Coxswain Ned Dillon,Brendan Dillon Aiden Downey,Geoff Kearnes ,Craig O Reilly, John Tyrell & David Molloy.
Following the incident, Declan Smullen- Deputy Launch Authority at Arklow RNLI said:
“Thankfully tonight was a mild relatively calm evening, had conditions been worse the situation might not have ended so well , Id like to say thanks to our volunteers from both Arklow & Courtown who through teamwork got this positive result, We would like to once again remind people to Respect the Water and always wear a lifejacket and carry a means of calling for help like a marine radio”
