RNLI rescue lone sailor in difficulty at sea ahead of Storm Ashley
With Aboard 7pm Before Within The Minutes, Were Launched Paged Crew Howth Just Seven Lifeboat Crew And Members Ten The Rnli
The Howth RNLI lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat on Saturday evening to rescue a sailor struggling to reach shore ahead of the incoming Storm Ashley.
The sailor, who had departed from Strangford in Northern Ireland earlier in the day, was en route to Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, but encountered difficulties as darkness fell and tidal currents hindered his progress.
Unable to safely continue, the lone sailor contacted the Dublin Coast Guard for assistance.
The Howth RNLI crew were paged just before 7pm and launched within ten minutes, with seven crew members aboard the lifeboat.
Although sea conditions were relatively stable at the time, with moderate southerly winds, the forecast warned of worsening weather through the night as Storm Ashley approached.
The lifeboat located the sailor aboard a 35-foot yacht approximately five miles north of Howth, near Lambay Island.
The RNLI coxswain expertly positioned the lifeboat alongside the yacht, allowing a crew member to board the vessel and assess the sailor. The sailor, though fatigued, was in good health.
A tow line was attached to the yacht, and the lifeboat safely towed it back to Howth Harbour.
Ian Sheridan, second coxswain of Howth RNLI, led the rescue and emphasised the importance of the sailor’s timely call for help, noting that conditions were set to deteriorate rapidly with Storm Ashley.
"Given a yellow wind warning is coming into effect at midnight tonight until 3am on Monday, the sailor did the right thing in calling for help when he did before the weather deteriorates and things could have gotten worse," Mr Sheridan stated.
The RNLI has issued warnings to the public regarding the storm, which is expected to bring strong winds and dangerous conditions to Ireland's coasts. They advised visitors to the coast to stay at a safe distance from the water, as powerful waves and gusts could pose life-threatening risks.
The RNLI also reiterated safety guidelines for those who may find themselves in water unexpectedly, urging individuals to " Float to Live" by lying back, extending their arms and legs, and staying calm until they can control their breathing.
In emergencies, the public is reminded to call 999 or 112 and request the Coast Guard for assistance.
Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.