Wicklow RNLI launch to the aid of three fisherman

Wicklow RNLI brought three fishermen to safety on Friday afternoon (13 June 2025), after their vessel suffered mechanical failure while fishing for whelk off the Wicklow coast.

Adelaide Kane and Cian Kelly, who went to sea on their first ‘Shout’ as Wicklow RNLI crew members. Credit: RNLI/Wicklow

The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea slipped its moorings from the south quay at 1.40pm following a Coast Guard pager alert and put to sea under the command of Coxswain Nick Keogh.

Twenty-five minutes later the lifeboat was alongside the twelve-metre vessel, in a position ten miles northeast of Wicklow harbour. Conditions at the scene were wind south westerly in direction, force six with moderate sea and good visibility.

Speaking after the call out, Wicklow RNLI Coxswain Nick Keogh said: ’Once alongside, we carried out a quick assessment of the fishing vessel and found it had lost all power. So, the safest course of action was to tow the boat back to Wicklow harbour.’

A towline was quickly set up, and course was set for Wicklow harbour at 2.10pm. The twelve metre fishing vessel was secured alongside the south quay just before 11.30am and the three fishermen were landed safely ashore.

Speaking after the call out, Wicklow RNLI Press officer, Tommy Dover said, ‘We give a special mention to trainee crew, Adelaide Kane and Cian Kelly, who went to sea today on their first ‘Shout’ as Wicklow RNLI crew members, we are very proud of their dedication and commitment.’