The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat by the Irish Coast Guard at 2.26pm Saturday afternoon last (2 October) following a report that the vessel had suffered intermittent engine failure at Mine Head, off the Old Parish coastline in the Déise Gaeltacht region.
The lifeboat helmed by Alan Kelly and with crew members Paudie Walsh, Shane Walsh and Simon O’Hare onboard, launched immediately and made its way to the scene.
There was a Force 5-6 west to north-west wind blowing at the time.
Arriving on scene at 2.46pm, the lifeboat crew assessed the situation before deciding to tow the vessel back to the nearest safe port at Helvick Head Pier where they arrived at 3.20pm.
Speaking following the call out, Helvick Head RNLI Helm Alan Kelly said: ‘The casualty did the right thing by calling for help when he realised he was in difficulty. The winds were too fresh for him to return to the harbour without assistance.
‘We would remind 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 trouble or see someone else in difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
