Kerry's Fenit RNLI assists yacht in difficulty off Clare coast

An all-weather lifeboat crew from Fenit RNLI launched early Sunday after a 10-metre yacht north of Loop Head, Co. Clare, got into difficulty. The crew were alerted at 3.03am following a Pan-Pan call reporting loss of engine power and steerage while travelling from Rossaveel, Co. Galway, to Kilrush, Co. Clare. Irish Coast Guard contact led to the launch of the lifeboat Robert Hywel Jones Williams. The yacht had three people on board and reported problems with both its engine and rudder. An MFV fishing vessel, Celtic Sun, arrived first and stayed on standby. Sea conditions were favourable. The lifeboat reached the yacht at 4.40am, found everyone safe, and arranged a tow at 4.55am, arriving at Fenit Harbour at 10.20am. The lifeboat then refuelled, washed down, and prepared for further call-outs.

"The volunteer crew were alerted at 3.03am following a Pan-Pan call from a 10-metre yacht that had lost engine power and steerage while travelling from Rossaveel, Co. Galway, to Kilrush, Co. Clare. Following contact from the Irish Coast Guard, Fenit RNLI Launch Authority Peter Clifford requested the launch of the all-weather lifeboat Robert Hywel Jones Williams. The yacht, carrying three people on board, reported problems with both its engine and rudder."

"The MFV Celtic Sun, which was fishing nearby at the time, responded to the Pan-Pan call and arrived on scene ahead of the lifeboat, remaining on standby until RNLI volunteers arrived. Sea conditions during the operation were favourable, with a force 3 south-westerly wind and a 2.3-metre swell. Fenit RNLI's all-weather lifeboat reached the casualty vessel at 4.40am. After making contact with the crew, who were all found to be safe and well, Coxswain Kevin Moriarty assessed the situation."

"Following consultation with the yacht's skipper, it was decided that establishing a tow was the safest course of action. A towline was successfully secured at 4.55am and the yacht was towed safely to Fenit Harbour, arriving at 10.20am. Once satisfied that the yacht and its crew were secure, the lifeboat returned to station where it was refuelled, washed down and prepared for any further call-outs."

"Speaking following the call-out, Coxswain Kevin Moriarty said that "the training undertaken by the crew was vital and they all worked very well together. I wish the crew of the vessel well on the remainder of their journey. Should anyone get into difficulty at sea, always call 999 or 112 and ask""

Read at Irish Independent