Kilmore Quay RNLI Launch To The Aid Of Fishing Vessel Near Keeragh Islands

Monday 18 May 2026

Volunteer lifeboat crew from RNLI in Kilmore Quay launched on Saturday afternoon, 16 May, to assist the crew of a 10-metre fishing vessel after it suffered a fouled propeller and began drifting towards the Keeragh Islands off the Wexford coast.

Photo Credit: RNLI/Kilmore Quay

The alarm was raised at 2.18pm when the Irish Coast Guard requested the launch of Kilmore Quay RNLI’s all-weather Tamar class lifeboat, RNLB Killarney. Under the command of Coxswain Nigel Kehoe and with five volunteer crew members on board, the lifeboat launched promptly and made its way to the casualty vessel, located approximately five nautical miles north-west of Kilmore Quay at the Keeraghs.

The lifeboat reached the scene at 2.45pm, where crew members first ensured that everyone aboard the fishing vessel was safe and well before assessing the situation. Taking into account the prevailing wind and tidal conditions, the decision was made that the safest option was to establish a tow and bring the disabled vessel back to shore.

Weather conditions at the time were favourable, with a Force 2 to 3 westerly wind and a slight sea state.

Once the tow was secured, the lifeboat proceeded to the nearest suitable harbour at Kilmore Quay, arriving at 3.50pm. After the fishing vessel was safely secured alongside the pier, the RNLI crew returned to the marina, where the lifeboat was refuelled and prepared for service once again.

Speaking following the call-out, Coxswain Nigel Kehoe praised the fishing crew for acting quickly and responsibly.

“The lads made the right decision to call for assistance when they did,” he said. “We would remind anyone planning a trip to sea to always wear a life jacket and to always carry a means of calling for help. If you do get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”