Five rescued after motorboat suffers engine failure near Saltee Islands

Five people have been safely brought back to shore after their motorboat suffered engine failure off the Wexford coast.

Kilmore Quay RNLI was tasked by the Irish Coast Guard at 1.54pm on Monday after a 9-metre motorboat became disabled north of the Great Saltee Island.

The station's all-weather Tamar class lifeboat RNLB Killarney, under the command of Coxswain Aidan Bates and a crew of four volunteers, launched promptly and reached the casualty vessel at 2.18pm.

After confirming that all five people on board were safe and well, the RNLI crew assessed the situation and decided the safest option was to tow the drifting vessel back to Kilmore Quay.

The tow was completed without incident, with the motorboat arriving safely into harbour at 2.50pm. Once the vessel had been secured, the lifeboat returned to its berth and was made ready for its next emergency call-out.

Following the rescue, Coxswain Aidan Bates praised the response of the volunteer crew.

"We were very pleased that there was a successful outcome to today's call out. Being able to respond so quickly is due to the equipment and training our volunteer crew receive."

Mr Bates also encouraged the public to support the station's annual fundraising event.

Kilmore Quay RNLI's Lifeboat Open Day takes place this Bank Holiday Sunday, 2 August, from 12 noon to 5pm at Kilmore Quay Marina.

The family event will feature the lifeboat on display, stalls, games, entertainment and refreshments, with all proceeds supporting the RNLI's lifesaving work.