Tramore RNLI went to the aid of one person on a pleasure boat with engine failure last Thursday evening (18 January) in the Co Waterford crew’s first call-out of 2024.
An emergency call received by the Marine Rescue Co-ordinating Centre (MRCC) from a stranded half-decker pleasure boat in Tramore Bay saw the volunteer lifeboat crew called into action.
The single occupant of the pleasure boat had raised the alarm on their mobile phone to say they had engine failure about a kilometre from Tramore Beach.
Helmed by Fergal McGrath and crewed by Peter Kelly and Kevin Lehane, the inshore lifeboat was launched shortly after they were paged at 4.45pm, and they were on scene within two minutes.
It emerged that the casualty vessel had lost engine power and was drifting towards the beach. The crew assessed the situation and decided to tow the broken-down boat to Tramore Pier, where it was tied alongside at 5.15pm.
Speaking following the call-out, Tramore RNLI helm Fergal McGrath said: “Well done to the casualty, they did the right thing in calling for help as soon as they felt they were in trouble and we were delighted to help.
“We would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea to always go prepared, always wear a lifejacket and always carry a means of communication. Should you get into difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”