Clogherhead RNLI rescues two sailors near Gyles Quay

Monday 2 June 2025

In the early hours of this morning (Bank Holiday Monday 2 June) at 1.28am, Clogherhead RNLI was requested by the Dublin Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre to assist two sailors on a yacht with two sailors onboard that had drifted onto rocks and a shingle beach near Gyles Quay, Dundalk.

Clogherhead RNLI's all-weather lifeboat. Credit: Robin Barnes

The Clogherhead RNLI all-weather lifeboat launched to assess the situation where the yacht had lost engine power and was drifting onto a rocky shingle beach.

The lifeboat crew on the call out included Coxswain Brian Sharkey, mechanic Barry Sharkey, and crew members Carol Holdcroft, Barbara Kirk, and Derek Shevlin.

Upon arrival, the volunteer crew assessed the situation and found the two sailors were in no immediate danger. Both were wearing lifejackets. With their engine failed and anchor snagged however, the yacht had been dragged onto the beach and the sailors needed assistance to get to a safe port.

The lifeboat approached the vessel slowly and passed a line to the sailors. Their yacht was brought alongside the Michael O’Brien and then safely assisted into Gyles Quay to berth at the pier.

This call out marked Coxswain Brian Sharkey’s first shout since becoming a fully qualified Coxswain, making it a notable milestone for the station.

Speaking after the call out, Clogherhead RNLI Coxswain Brian Sharkey said: ‘These two sailors did the right thing by calling the Coast Guard and explaining that, while they weren’t in imminent danger, they did need RNLI assistance to get off the beach and for the yacht to be safely towed to the nearest port.

‘For all boat owners, it’s important that your boat and engine are thoroughly inspected and maintained after the winter season. Make sure all your equipment - especially lifejackets are in good condition and working correctly. Have a suitable anchor ready to deploy when needed, and always check weather and tide conditions before setting off. If you get into difficulty or see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’