Wicklow RNLI brings three people safely ashore after 11m boat suffers engine failure
- Pat Nolan
- Jul 27
- 2 min read
Monday 27 July 2026
Wicklow RNLI launched late last night (Sunday 26 July) to assist three people after their 11-metre vessel suffered engine failure approximately 11 miles south-east of Wicklow Harbour.
The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O'Shea launched at 11.05pm at the request of the Irish Coast Guard after the alarm was raised that the vessel's engine was overheating.
Under the command of Coxswain Nicky Keogh, the volunteer lifeboat crew located the casualty vessel approximately 30 minutes after launching. Weather conditions at the time were west to north-westerly Force 3 to 4 winds, with light to moderate seas and good visibility.
With the vessel disabled and drifting close to the shipping lanes, and with no other vessels available to assist, the decision was made to take the boat under tow to the nearest safe port.
The casualty vessel was towed safely to Wicklow Harbour where it was secured alongside the east pier at 2.10am. The three people on board were brought safely ashore.
Speaking following the call out, Wicklow RNLI Launch Authority Mick Nolan said:
"This was a great example of our volunteer crew responding quickly and using their training and experience to bring the situation to a safe conclusion. We would remind anyone planning to head afloat to carry a suitable means of calling for help, such as a VHF radio or a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. If you see someone in difficulty on the water, or think they are in danger, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."
The volunteer crew on the call out were Coxswain Nicky Keogh, Mechanic Peter Byrne and crew members Carol Flahive, Kelly Byrne, Adelaide Kane, Daniel Wrafter and Robbie Quinn. The Launch Authority was Mick Nolan.
