RNLI rescues three people

HOWTH RNLI launched their inshore lifeboat on June 24 to reports of a sailing vessel with three people aboard having lost steering and drifted onto rocks at the base of Howth Head.

A phone call to Howth Yacht Club was made by the occupants of a sail boat which had been travelling from Poolbeg Yacht Club to Howth, to report that they had lost their rudder and were drifting towards the base of the cliffs close to the Baily Lighthouse. 

Howth Yacht Club alerted Howth RNLI which immediately paged the local RNLI volunteers and launched the inshore lifeboat within 10 minutes.

The inshore lifeboat was crewed by Ian Martin (helm), Joss Walsh and Killian O’Reilly. 

They quickly located the vessel at the base of the cliffs and after checking that the crew members aboard the yacht were all okay they proceeded to take the casualty vessel under tow to the safety of Howth Marina. 

The three people aboard the yacht were in good spirits and thanked the RNLI for their help. The wind was Force 3-4 southerly and the sea state was calm at the time

Speaking following the call out, Ian Martin, Howth RNLI inshore lifeboat helm, said: “We have to compliment the three people aboard the vessel for their quick action in calling for help when their boat experienced difficulties. 

“We were delighted to be able to launch so quickly and assist and bring them back to Howth Marina.

“We remind everyone enjoying this good weather to always respect the water. 

“Irish waters can be dangerously unpredictable. 

“The main risks that catch people are unexpected entry, cold water shock and rip currents and waves.” Should you get into difficulty you are advised to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.