RNLI come to the aid of vessel off Louth coast
Clogherhead RNLI volunteers were tasked by the Coast Guard to assess the situation
Clogherhead RNLI along with the Coast Guard sprang into action last Friday to assist a powerless fishing vessel near Greenore in Cooley, ensuring the safe return of three fishermen to port.
Clogherhead RNLI volunteers were tasked by the Coast Guard to assess the situation.
The all-weather Shannon class lifeboat Michael O'Brien was launched at 4.10pm, in calm seas with good visibility. The lifeboat was tasked by the Coast Guard to assess the situation of a 14 metre fishing vessel with three fishermen on board, which had lost all power south-west of the Imogen Buoy near Greenore.
Upon arriving on scene at 4.34pm, the Clogherhead RNLI volunteer crew found the Greenore Coast Guard already on the scene. The lifeboat crew - consisting of Coxswain Gerard Sharkey, Mechanic Barry Sharkey, Carol Holcroft, Ronan King, James Kirk and Lisa Levins, conducted an immediate assessment and confirmed the vessel was without power.
The Coxswain made the decision that undertaking a tow was necessary and the safest way to assist the casualties. A RNLI volunteer crew member was then placed aboard the fishing vessel to help the three fishermen.
The tow operation was successfully completed, with the vessel safely brought back to the nearest safe and suitable port, Port Oriel, by 6.45 pm.
Coxswain Gerard Sharkey remarked: “All went smoothly, and we were pleased to return the crew and fishing vessel to Port Oriel in very cold but calm weather conditions.
“We urge anyone planning a trip to sea to check weather conditions and tide times, ensure your vessel is well-maintained with adequate fuel, and confirm all crew have serviced life jackets or appropriate flotation devices.
“If you encounter trouble or see someone in need of assistance, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”