Fenit RNLI Volunteers Launch at Dawn to Assist Stricken Yacht
- Pat Nolan
- May 24
- 2 min read
Sunday 24 May 2026
Fenit RNLI volunteers launched in the early hours of Sunday morning after a yacht lost power and steerage north of Loop Head, Co Clare.
The alarm was raised at 3.03am on Sunday, May 24, after the 10-metre yacht issued a Pan-Pan call while travelling from Rossaveel, Co Galway to Kilrush, Co Clare. The Irish Coast Guard subsequently contacted Fenit RNLI Launch Authority Peter Clifford, who requested the launch of the all-weather lifeboat Robert Hywel Jones Williams.
The yacht, carrying three people onboard, had reported a loss of engine power along with difficulties affecting its rudder and steering capabilities.
A nearby fishing vessel, MFV Celtic Sun, heard the Pan-Pan transmission and was first to respond, remaining on standby with the casualty vessel until the arrival of the Fenit RNLI crew.
Sea conditions during the operation were described as favourable, with a force 3 south-westerly wind and a 2.3-metre swell.
Fenit RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat reached the scene at 4.40am, where contact was made with the yacht’s crew, all of whom were found to be safe and well. Following an assessment of the situation, Coxswain Kevin Moriarty consulted with the yacht’s skipper and determined that towing the vessel to safety was the best course of action.
A towline was successfully established at 4.55am, and the yacht was subsequently towed safely to Fenit Harbour, arriving at approximately 10.20am.
After ensuring the vessel and its crew were secure, the lifeboat returned to station where volunteers refuelled and washed down the vessel before preparing for any further call-outs.
Six volunteers were involved in the operation: Coxswain Kevin Moriarty, Mechanic Kevin Honeyman, and crew members Caroline Corkery, Ciaran Forde, Cian Lawless, Shane Mulcair and Terry Sheehy.
Speaking after the call-out, Coxswain Kevin Moriarty praised the crew’s professionalism and teamwork throughout the operation.
“The training undertaken by the crew was vital and they all worked very well together,” he said. “I wish the crew of the vessel well on the remainder of their journey. Should anyone get into difficulty at sea, always call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
