Kilmore Quay RNLI assists disabled motorboat near Saltee Islands
- Pat Nolan
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Monday 27 July 2026
Kilmore Quay RNLI came to the aid of a 9m motorboat with engine failure near the Saltee Islands on Monday afternoon (27 July).
The volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather Tamar class lifeboat, RNLB Killarney, by the Irish Coast Guard at 1.54pm to assist the vessel, which was adrift north of the Great Saltee.
The lifeboat, under Coxswain Aidan Bates and with four crew members on board, launched promptly and made its way to the scene. Conditions were favourable with good visibility, a light westerly Force 2 to 3 breeze and slight seas.
Arriving on scene at 2.18pm, the lifeboat crew first checked that everyone on board the casualty vessel was safe and well before assessing the situation. Taking into account the boat's position, it was decided that the safest option was to establish a tow back to shore.
The lifeboat towed the disabled vessel safely to Kilmore Quay, arriving at 2.50pm without further incident. Once the motorboat had been securely berthed, the lifeboat returned to the station where it was washed down, refuelled and made ready for service.
Speaking following the call out, Coxswain Aidan Bates said: 'We were very pleased that there was a successful outcome to today's call out. Being able to respond so quickly is due to the equipment and training our volunteer crew receive. As a charity, the RNLI depends entirely on public generosity, which is why we're hoping there will be a big turnout for our annual Lifeboat Day this Bank Holiday Sunday, 2 August here in Kilmore Quay.'
The annual Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat Open Day and fundraiser takes place on Sunday 2 August from 12 noon to 5.00pm at Kilmore Quay Marina. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the lifeboat on display and enjoy stalls, games, entertainment and refreshments, with plenty of family fun throughout the afternoon.
