Arklow RNLI responds to report of upturned vessel off Arklow
- Pat Nolan
- 3 hours ago
- 1 min read
Tuesday 25 August 2026
Arklow RNLI was launched on Saturday evening, 22 August, following a report of an upturned vessel sighted south of Arklow Harbour.
A member of the public had contacted the Coast Guard after spotting the vessel adrift, prompting the launch of Arklow RNLI’s volunteer crew at 7.23pm.
The lifeboat began a search of the area south of Arklow, where the reported vessel was subsequently located. Crew members discovered that it was a small, approximately seven-foot dinghy and, thankfully, there was no one aboard.
The dinghy was taken aboard the lifeboat and brought safely back to Arklow Harbour.
On their return, the lifeboat crew learned that the dinghy had become separated from a vessel to which it had been moored in the harbour before drifting out to sea.
Arklow RNLI Coxswain Ned Dillon said the sighting was understandably a cause for concern.
“We were glad that no one was onboard when the dinghy began to drift,” he said. “A drifting vessel can cause concern that someone is in trouble.
“It is important that boats are secured properly and that if they do come loose and drift off, please inform the Coast Guard.”
The incident once again highlights the important role played by members of the public in reporting vessels or other objects seen adrift at sea. Such reports can help ensure that potential emergencies are investigated quickly and that volunteer lifeboat crews can establish whether anyone may be in difficulty.
