Wicklow RNLI rescue 3 people in two callouts within hours of each other

Tuesday 17 June 2025

Wicklow RNLI launched twice in the space of five hours yesterday (Monday 16 June) . The first call out was to assist the crew of a pleasure craft with engine failure while the second was to go to the aid of a person trapped at the bottom of a cliff.

The casualty vessel being maneuvered safely alongside. Photo Credit: RNLI/Peter Byrne

The volunteer crew were first requested at 11.30am. The Coast Guard had requested the launch of the all-weather lifeboat to assess the situation where a 28ft pleasure craft with two people onboard, was reported to be experiencing mechanical difficulties at Bray Head.

The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O’Shea slipped its moorings at 11.40am under the command of Coxswain Nicky Keogh.

The Irish Coast Guard RIB based in Greystones arrived on scene first and ensured the casualties safety while awaiting the arrival of Wicklow RNLI's all-weather lifeboat.

Once on scene, the Coxswain Nicky Keogh assessed the situation. Given the mechanical issues and the vessel's proximity to the bottom of the cliffs of Bray Head, the decision was made to tow the casualty vessel to the nearest safe harbour at Greystones.

Conditions on scene were good with good visibility, a westerly force 4-5 wind and moderate seas.

With the assistance of the Irish Coast Guard, the vessel was safely alongside at 12.45pm.

The inshore lifeboat being beached. Photo Credit: RNLI/Peter Byrne

The second call out came five hours later at 4.30pm following reports of a person trapped at the bottom of the cliffs near Travelahawk.

A vigilant member of the public heard calls for help and ran to the lifeboat station to raise the alarm.

The station's inshore lifeboat helmed by Andrew Carlin, was quickly launched at 4.30pm. The crew quickly located a man trapped on a small patch of sand at the base of the steep cliffs. He was unable to climb back up to safety having fallen down the cliffs but was uninjured.

The inshore lifeboat, after an assessment by the helm, was safely beached onto the patch of sand and the man was quickly brought onboard and around to the lifeboat station.

Speaking after his first call out since becoming a helm, Andrew Carlin said: ‘The man was lucky to have not been injured following the fall and we wish him well. We also want to commend the vigilant member of the public who heard his calls for help. Their quick actions ensured the mans safe return ashore.

'As we enter the summer months and expect more people to enjoy the water, we would encourage anyone planning a trip or activity at sea, to go prepared. Check weather and tide times, let someone know where you are going and when you are due back. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity. And always carry a means of communication. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'