Sailors rescued by Wicklow RNLI

TWO MEN were rescued by Wicklow RNLI late on Monday night.

The Wicklow all-weather lifeboat launched at 11.14 p.m. on Monday to assist two sailors on a yacht in difficulties about two miles north east of Wicklow harbour.

The eight metre yacht was on passage south when it developed engine problems. The skipper contacted the Coast Guard for assistance as they were unable to make any progress due to the lack of wind.

The lifeboat under the command of second coxswain Ciaran Doyle was alongside the stricken vessel six minutes after launching. Weather conditions in the area were sea state calm with light airs and good visibility. A towline was quickly established and the yacht was brought back to Wicklow harbour.

The yacht with two sailors was secured safely alongside the East pier shortly before midnight. The RNLI crew were coxswain Ciaran Doyle, mechanic Brendan Copeland, Tommy McAulay, David O’Leary, Carol Flahive, Paul Sillery and Connie O’Gara.