Clogherhead RNLI comes to aid of fisherman off Louth coast

Clogherhead RNLI came to the aid of a fisherman yesterday after their razor boat broke down near Gyles Quay nine miles north of Clogherhead.

The volunteer crew were requested by the Dublin Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre to go to the fisherman’s aid shortly before 8am on Wednesday 25 September. The boat’s engine had failed.

The all-weather Shannon class lifeboat, the Michael O'Brien, was launched under Coxswain Tomas Whelahan with mechanic Barry Sharkey and crew members Brian Sharkey, Carol Holcroft, Derek Shevlin and Paraic Costell onboard, on what was a crisp autumn morning with calm sea conditions.

On arriving on scene near Gyles Quay, nine miles north of Clogherhead, the crew proceeded to assess the situation. The fisherman was safe and well but due to the boat having sustained engine failure and unable to make any safe onward progress, a decision was made that the best course of action was to establish a towline and bring the vessel to the nearest safe place, at Port Oriel.

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Speaking following the call out, Clogherhead RNLI Coxswain Tomas Whelahan­ said: "This was a straightforward call out in good weather conditions and we were happy to help the fisherman as the boat had lost all power and they wouldn’t have made it back to shore safely unaided.

"We would remind anyone planning a trip to sea to go prepared checking weather and tide times, ensuring your vessel is maintained and has enough fuel for the trip and that you wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity.

"Let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back and carry a means of communication should you get into difficulty. If you do get into trouble or see someone else in need of help, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."