New life boat sails into a nearly call

October 1989

THE new lifeboat sailed into Wicklow town last Saturday – and was called into service within an hour of its arrival.

The ‘Annie Blaker’ arrived to tumultuous applause from a large gathering of locals who turned out to view the new vessel.

But while the boat won’t officially go into active service for another few weeks as some members of the crew still have to be trained on its facilities, it has already made a maiden rescue voyage.

A Dublin lady on a visit to Wicklow town stumbled down rocks at the back of the golf course and landed in a position which made it difficult for an ambulance crew to reach her.

The lifeboat station received a call and decided to launch the new vessel with its modern facilities, including an inflatable dingy.

Once reached, the lady was taken to hospital suffering from a broken ankle.

The RNLI crew are presently undergoing extensive training and the ‘Annie Blaker’ will be in full service within the next few weeks.