Wicklow RNLI volunteers assist yacht with mechanical failure off Greystones
- Pat Nolan
- 2 hours ago
- 1 min read
Monday 20 July 2026
Wicklow RNLI's all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie O'Shea launched on Saturday afternoon (18 July) to assist a yacht with four people onboard after it developed mechanical difficulties near Greystones.
The lifeboat slipped its moorings at 1.25pm under the command of Coxswain Tommy McAuley following reports of the disabled vessel. Weather conditions at the time were moderate, with a northeasterly Force 4 wind.
The volunteer lifeboat crew arrived on scene approximately 30 minutes after launching and carried out an assessment of the situation. Following this assessment, Coxswain McAuley determined that the safest course of action was to escort the yacht back towards Wicklow Harbour before taking the vessel under tow.
Once the yacht reached the entrance to Wicklow Harbour, the crew established a tow line and safely guided the vessel into the harbour. The yacht was brought alongside the south quay and secured at approximately 4.30pm.
With all four sailors safely ashore, the lifeboat crew returned to station, where the lifeboat was made ready for service again.
Speaking after the callout, Wicklow RNLI Launch Authority Adrian O'Connor praised the crew's swift response.
"This was another quick response by our volunteer crew, with their training and equipment providing a successful outcome today. I'd like to remind anyone going on the water in this good weather to have a suitable means of calling for assistance. If you see anyone in trouble on the water, please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."