Dunmore East RNLI Responds to Yacht in Difficulty Off Wexford Coast

Friday 15 May 2026

Volunteer crew members from the RNLI in Dunmore East launched on Tuesday evening to assist a sailing vessel that lost both engine and electrical power off the coast of Hook Head.

Dunmore East all-weather lifeboat. Photo Credit: RNLI/Dunmore East

The alarm was raised at 7:33pm on Tuesday 12 May after the 35ft yacht encountered difficulties approximately four miles south of Hook Head and requested assistance from the Irish Coast Guard.

Responding swiftly, the Dunmore East RNLI volunteer crew launched their Shannon-class all-weather lifeboat and made their way to the casualty vessel. Upon arrival, the crew carried out an assessment and determined that the yacht was unable to continue safely under its own power due to the total loss of engine and electrical systems.

To ensure the safety of those onboard, the RNLI crew established a tow and successfully brought the vessel back to harbour in Dunmore East without incident.

Speaking after the call out, Volunteer Coxswain Joe Molloy praised both the yacht crew and the RNLI volunteers involved in the operation.

“The crew onboard the yacht did the right thing by seeking assistance early once they encountered difficulties,” he said. “Good communication and an early request for help are always important at sea. We would also like to thank all of our volunteer crew, both afloat and ashore, for their response and teamwork during the call out.”

The RNLI is also reminding all water users to thoroughly prepare before heading to sea. This includes checking engines, batteries, communications equipment and weather conditions before departure.

The charity advises anyone going afloat to always carry a reliable means of calling for help and, in an emergency, to dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.