Lough Swilly RNLI assists stricken fishing boat

The Inishowen RNLI branch came to the aid of a fishing boat that got into difficulty off Fanad Head on Wednesday evening, July 16. 

The Lough Swilly RNLI crew were dispatched at 7:15pm by Malin Head Coast Guard to assist the vessel, which had fouled its propellers and lost all power approximately 11 nautical miles northwest of the peninsula.

All-Weather Shannon Class Lifeboat was launched swiftly, and the crew made good time in moderate sea conditions with swells of around one metre.

The volunteer lifeboat crew established a tow and held the vessel until the three crew members onboard the fishing trawler eventually cleared their props.

The rescue crew stayed near the fishing boat for an additional hour to ensure everything was in order with the vessel before returning to Buncrana to refuel and prepare for service again.

READ NEXT: Lough Swilly RNLI responds following concern over kayakers off Inch Island

This was Lough Swilly RNLI’s fifth callout in eight days after they were tasked to assist a yacht in difficulty the previous Tuesday night. Upon arrival at the scene, the yacht was found to be moving again and didn't require their assistance to get sailing.

Just 48 hours later, they towed three people to safety after their boat developed mechanical problems on Lough Swilly. 

The Inishowen RNLI branch was involved in their biggest rescue of the week, three days later on Sunday, July 13. After both of their boats were launched along with the Rescue 118 helicopter for two people who were swept out to sea on a dinghy in Ballyliffin.

The fourth rescue by the Lough Swilly RNLI occurred last Tuesday night after they responded to a call for assistance for a group of Kayakers who got into difficulty near Inch Island. By the time they reached the casualties, they had already made it safely ashore. 

The RNLI wishes to remind the public that if you find yourself in difficulty on or near the water—or if you see someone in trouble—dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.