Louth based RNLI help rescue fisherman and dog

Crews from Clogherhead RNLI, Skerries RNLI and fellow local crew Drogheda Coast Guard were all involved in the rescue of a ten metre fishing boat with engine problems at the mouth of the River Nanny near Laytown County Meath.

The Dublin Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre put out a call at 5.17pm on Saturday evening (12 October) to go to the aid of a fishing boat with engine problems south of the River Nanny off the coast of County Meath. The skipper had his razor dredge deployed and was in no immediate danger.

The Clogherhead RNLI all-weather Shannon class lifeboat arrived in position at 5.30pm. The Skerries RNLI ILB and Drogheda Coast Guard inshore RIB were on scene also. There was only one person on board along with his four legged crew member, a German shepherd dog who regularly goes to sea.

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After confirming that both the fisherman and his furry friend were safe and sound, Coxswain Tomas Whelehan and his volunteer crew established a towline to get the fishing boat back to Port Oriel. Assisted by Barry Sharkey, Mechanic and crew members Carol Holcroft, Barbara Kirk and Sean Flanagan, everyone arrived back safely in Clogherhead at 7.35pm with one very happy German shepherd wagging his tail alongside his skipper. The crew disembarked at 7.45 after getting the charity’s lifeboat the Michael O'Brien ready for its next service.

Clogherhead RNLI Coxswain Tomas Whelehan­ said: "We were very happy on this cold night to get this fisherman and his dog back to Port Oriel in calm sea conditions. All went well for us; the skipper made the right call to get help as soon as he realised he was in difficulty as he would have been unable to return to port without our assistance."

Clogherhead RNLI say: "For anyone working at sea it’s important to keep your vessel’s stability in mind so you can significantly reduce the risk of capsize, ensure your vessel is well maintained and make sure you can stay afloat in an emergency with a life jacket, stay in touch with a radio or phone and stay put with a suitable anchor to secure your position. If you do get into difficulty call the Coast Guard on VHF channel 16 or by phone on 999 or 112."