Tramore RNLI rescues two people after fishing boat suffers engine failure
Monday 19 October 2026
Tramore RNLI volunteers launched their inshore lifeboat on Friday (16 October) to assist two people aboard a small fishing boat after it suffered engine failure off the Waterford coast.
The volunteer crew were paged at noon following a request to launch from the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), which had received a report that the vessel had lost engine power approximately one mile south of Great Newtown Head.
Provided with the fishing boat’s position, the lifeboat crew made best speed to the scene. Conditions were initially calm, although a north-easterly Force 3–4 wind was encountered as the lifeboat passed the headland.
On arrival, the crew established that the fishing boat was unable to make safe onward progress or return to harbour under its own power. Having assessed the conditions and the safety of the two people on board, the lifeboat crew determined that a tow was the safest option.
The fishing boat and its two occupants were brought safely back to Tramore Pier following a 30-minute passage.
The lifeboat was helmed by Conor McCarthy, with volunteer crew members Will Palmer, Peter Kelly and James Moynihan also on board. The call-out marked James’s first operational shout as a volunteer lifeboat crew member.
Speaking following the call-out, Tramore RNLI Helm Conor McCarthy said: “It was a good outcome, with both people and their boat brought safely back to shore. It was also James’s first shout, and he did a great job alongside the crew.
“Engine failure can happen unexpectedly, so we’d remind anyone heading to sea to carry a reliable means of calling for help. If you get into difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
