Wicklow RNLI Comes To Aid Of Lone Sailor.

The crew had been paged by the Coast Guard at 1:48am.

Wicklow RNLI volunteers launched early on Sunday morning to reports of a yacht with mechanical and electrical issues. 

The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Joanna & Henry Williams slipped its mooring at 2:00am to reports of a yacht with one person on board experiencing mechanical and electrical difficulties. The crew had been paged by the Coast Guard at 1:48am. 

The casualty vessel, a 36ft sailing yacht was found approximately a half mile northeast of Wicklow Harbour. The conditions on scene were described as rough seas with force 6-7 wind coming from the northwest. 

After an assessment of the situation by the Coxswain, it was decided the best course of action was to take the vessel under tow for the short trip back to the harbour. 

The casualty vessel was secured safely alongside at about 2:45am. 

The volunteer crew then made the lifeboat ready for service. 

Speaking after the callout Coxswain Tommy McAuley said “The hours of darkness always adds an extra challenge to a call out, but the crew are very well prepared with the training they undertake throughout the year”. 

'We would remind people when going on the water to wear a lifejacket and have a suitable means of communication to call for help should the need arise. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'