Last Sunday morning the volunteer crew of Howth RNLI launched both their inshore and all-weather lifeboats to assist a small angling boat in distress off the coast, after it suffered engine failure in worsening sea conditions.
At 09:49am, the volunteer crew’s pagers were activated following reports of a 5-metre angling boat with one person on board, drifting rapidly offshore due to strong southwest winds and high seas.
The Howth inshore lifeboat (ILB) launched within ten minutes with three crew on board.
The crew made their way North East of Howth to the position passed by the Coast Guard and commenced a search.
Within ten minutes the crew had sight of the angling boat which had drifted a large distance from its last known position.
Due to the challenging sea state and the distance from shore, the all-weather lifeboat (ALB) was requested to launch and provide cover.
Once on scene, the ILB crew assessed the man on board who was wearing a lifejacket and unharmed.
Due to the speed of drift towards the shipping lanes a decision was taken to take the boat under tow immediately.
A tow line was established and the crew began to bring the vessel to safety.
The ALB arrived on scene shortly after and positioned itself ahead of the inshore lifeboat, absorbing the brunt of the heavy seas to make the tow safer and more manageable.
The angling boat was successfully towed back to Howth Harbour, and the man on board was brought ashore safely and without injury.
Both lifeboats were then refuelled and made ready for their next service.
Speaking following the call-out, Lorcan Dignam, the helm in command of the inshore lifeboat said:
“This rescue shows the value of having both inshore and all-weather lifeboats available, particularly in rough conditions.
“Teamwork and good seamanship helped ensure a safe outcome.
“The angler did the right thing in calling for help as soon as he realised he was in trouble.
“There was no phone signal that far out from shore, and thankfully the angler had a working VHF radio and was able to contact the Coast Guard.
“The weather conditions were challenging with strong southwest winds and high seas.
“The boat was drifting very quickly and within an hour, could have reached the busy shipping lanes entering Dublin Port.
“Thankfully our crews were able to reach the man in time and bring him safely ashore. Our volunteer crew train regularly in all weather conditions so that when the pager sounds, day or night, we can respond and save lives at sea.”