Waterford City River Rescue crew tow stricken vessel to safety following engine failure
Wednesday 17 September 2026
Waterford City River Rescue CRBI crews were called into action on Wednesday evening after a vessel suffered engine failure on the Waterford waterways.
The volunteer lifeboat crew was tasked by the Irish Coast Guard to respond to the incident, with the inshore lifeboat Trisha Nell launched to assist the stricken vessel.
On reaching the casualty, the WCRR crew established a tow and successfully brought the vessel to a place of safety.
The operation was coordinated by the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), with Waterford City River Rescue thanking the Coast Guard for its assistance and coordination during the incident.
While the incident ended safely, the rescue organisation has once again highlighted the importance of raising the alarm at the earliest possible opportunity when someone gets into difficulty on the water.
A mechanical failure such as an engine breakdown can quickly leave a vessel without propulsion or the ability to manoeuvre effectively, particularly in areas affected by currents, tides, changing weather conditions or other marine traffic.
Waterford City River Rescue is reminding members of the public that an emergency call should never be delayed on the assumption that someone else has already contacted the authorities.
The service said: “Do not assume somebody has already made that call.”
Anyone who sees a person or vessel in difficulty on a lake, river or along the coast should immediately dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Irish Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard can then alert and coordinate the appropriate emergency and rescue resources for the incident.
The reminder is particularly important where there is uncertainty over the condition of those involved. Early notification gives emergency services valuable time to mobilise the appropriate resources and reach the scene.
For anyone heading onto Ireland’s waterways, River Rescue teams also stress the importance of being properly prepared, carrying appropriate communications equipment and knowing how to raise the alarm should an emergency occur.
Wednesday evening’s operation concluded successfully, with the disabled vessel safely brought under tow by the Waterford City River Rescue crew.
The volunteers of Waterford City River Rescue continue to provide an important emergency response capability on the waterways in the region, working alongside the Irish Coast Guard and other emergency services when assistance is required.
