Two people rescued after boat breaks down near Hook Head

Two people were brought safely ashore after their boat broke down off the Wexford coast on Sunday.

Fethard RNLI was requested by the Irish Coast Guard to launch its inshore lifeboat at 11.32am after the 17-foot vessel experienced difficulty approximately one mile from Hook Head.

The lifeboat was launched from Slade under helm John Colfer, with volunteer crew members Rebecca Doyle and Clara Bracken onboard.

When the crew arrived, they found that both people onboard the motorboat were safe and well. However, the vessel was unable to make any safe onward progress.

Because the boat was close to a shipping lane and other vessels were operating in the area, the RNLI crew decided the safest option was to establish a tow. The boat and its two occupants were brought safely to the nearest port at Duncannon.

Mr Colfer said the tow was essential because of the potential hazard posed by other vessels and the nearby shipping lane.

The rescue marked Clara Bracken’s first call-out as a volunteer crew member, giving her an opportunity to put her training into practice.

Fethard RNLI is reminding anyone planning a trip to sea to wear a lifejacket, carry a reliable means of communication and tell someone where they are going and when they expect to return.

Anyone who gets into difficulty at sea, or sees someone else in danger, should call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.