Youghal RNLI in East Cork was requested yesterday afternoon (Sunday, 16 July) at 4.18 pm following a report of a sailor in difficulty half a mile from Capel Island after their boat had broken down due to a gearbox malfunction.
The volunteer lifeboat crew received a request from the Irish Coast Guard to launch their inshore lifeboat to reports of the broken down yacht.
The lifeboat, helmed by Liam Keogh and with crew members Jason Ansbro, John McCarthy and Noel Joyce, launched and was quickly on scene.
Weather conditions at the time were described as fair, with a southwesterly wind and a moderate sea state.
Shortly after launching and arriving at the location, the lifeboat crew observed that the man onboard was safe and well and was wearing full personal protective equipment and did not require medical assistance. Upon further assessment of the situation, one crew member boarded the vessel and a decision was made to establish a tow and bring the boat to the safety of Youghal Harbour.
Speaking after the call out, Youghal RNLI Helm Liam Keogh, said: ‘This was a straightforward call with a very good outcome, like always we would like to point out the importance of carrying a means of communication and always wear a lifejacket or suitable floatation device.’
