First shout of 2026 for Dún Laoghaire RNLI as they bring three fishermen to safety

The Dún Laoghaire RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat at 7:35am on Saturday morning, following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to assist three fishermen aboard a 40 foot (12 metre) broken down fishing vessel at anchor.

The skipper of the fishing vessel had raised the alarm after an engine mechanical failure.

The Dún Laoghaire all-weather lifeboat crew arrived at the casualty vessel at 8:15 am, located at south east of Bray Head.

Coxswain Stuart Kane assessed the situation and decided it was appropriate to request the recovery of his anchor so the lifeboat could set up an effective tow.

The fishing vessel was towed to Wicklow harbour.

The lifeboat brought it safely alongside at 11:15am, after a three-hour tow.

The lifeboat made its way back to the station in Dún Laoghaire during lunchtime, where it was readied for further service. In total, the shout lasted over 6 hours.

Conditions at sea were choppy and rough at times, with a force 5-6 wind gusting at 30-35 knots.

The six volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat: Coxswain Stuart Kane, mechanic Rory Bolton and crew members Alan Keville, Lorcan Kane, Simon Wall, Gary Hayes and Paul Cummins.

Shore crew assisting at the station included Ciarán Deane, Dan Philips, Dave Farrell, and Laura Jackson.

Speaking following the call out, Coxswain Stuart Kane said: ‘We are proud of our dedicated volunteer crew at Dún Laoghaire Station, who have been on call throughout the Christmas and New Year season.

Saturday’s was the first call out of the new year, but the second this week for Dún Laoghaire station.

Launching Authority Kevin Byrne added, “On New Year’s Eve, our inshore lifeboat responded to a tasking by the Coast Guard to assist An Garda Síochána with a search for a child who had been separated from their parents during the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display.

“Thankfully, the child had been subsequently found ashore, safe and reunited with their family.”