Aran Islands RNLI comes to aid of stricken yacht off Straw Island last weekend

Aran Islands RNLI volunteers were requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat at 5.20pm on Saturday by the Irish Coast Guard as a yacht with one onboard was experiencing engine difficulty north east of Straw Island.

The all-weather Severn class lifeboat Margaret Joan And Fred Nye #17-46 launched under Coxswain Tommy Dirrane and a full crew.

Weather conditions were good with calm seas and a fresh west to west southerly wind.

Once alongside the yacht the lifeboat crew established a tow line and headed for Kilronan Harbour.

As the lifeboat reached the safety of the harbour an alongside tow was established to bring the yacht safely to its mooring on a pontoon.

Speaking after the call out Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain Tommy Dirrane welcomed the happy outcome.

“‘Thankfully a good result, a call out to a yacht in difficulty can throw up multiple challenges. Today we reached the yacht quickly and were able to bring it to shore safely.

“For anyone planning a trip to sea, always wear a lifejacket, always carry means of communication and let someone ashore know where you are going and when you are due back.

“Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard,” he said.

 

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