Four boaters in a RIB were rescued by Helvick Head RNLI in County Waterford on Sunday afternoon (7 January) after their boat encountered trouble off the coast of Dungarvan.
The inshore lifeboat was launched into north-east Force 3-4 winds and calm waters, responding to a request from the Irish Coast Guard. The team, led by Alan Kelly and consisting of Páidí Breathnach, Joe Foley and Rian Kelly, arrived at the scene at 2:40 pm and found all the sailors to be safe and well.
The 5.5m rigid inflatable boat had suffered engine failure, and the RNLI team quickly established a tow line and safely brought the boat back to Dungarvan harbour by 4:00 pm.
Seán Walsh, the Helvick Head RNLI Launching Authority, reminded boaters to always be prepared before heading out to sea. He emphasized the importance of wearing life jackets and carrying a means of communication and urged anyone in trouble or witnessing someone else in difficulty to call the Coast Guard at 999 or 112.