Dun Laoghaire RNLI Assist Yacht in Difficulty Near Baily Lighthouse
- Pat Nolan
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Sunday 26 April 2026
Volunteers from Dun Laoghaire RNLI came to the aid of two sailors on Saturday afternoon, 25 April, after their yacht encountered difficulties near the Baily Lighthouse.
The lifeboat crew had already been present at the station following an earlier call when a request was received from the Irish Coast Guard. The alert concerned a yacht with two people onboard experiencing sail handling issues and drifting close to a traffic separation scheme, a potentially hazardous area for small vessels.
The all-weather lifeboat launched promptly under Coxswain David Branigan, accompanied by four crew members, and proceeded to the scene.
Although conditions were generally favourable, sunny skies with a Force 3–4 wind the crew found choppier waters around the yacht’s location. Upon assessment, it became clear the sailors were not in immediate danger but were unable to continue safely. Their headsail had become tightly wrapped around the forestay, significantly affecting the vessel’s control.
The RNLI crew advised the sailors to steer towards Dun Laoghaire, moving into more sheltered waters. Two crew members, Nathan Burke and Miguel Walker, were transferred onboard the yacht. They quickly worked to free and secure the tangled sail.
Following the repair, the RNLI lifeboat escorted the yacht safely back to Dun Laoghaire Harbour. The two crew members remained onboard until the vessel was securely alongside.
Speaking following the call out, Dun Laoghaire RNLI Coxswain David Branigan said: ‘Given the potential risk of the yacht causing an obstruction in the busy shipping lane, the sailors made the right decision to call for help early today and we were more than happy to assist.
‘As we enjoy this period of warm weather, we would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea to always go prepared. Always wear a lifejacket, always carry a means of communication and let someone know where you are going and when you are due back. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
