Lough Swilly RNLI  assist sailor who couldn't release anchor off Inishowen coast

Lough Swilly RNLI came to the assistance of a vessel in which a sailor was having bother releasing an anchor.

Paged by Malin Head Coast Guard at 7:27am on Friday morning, Lough Swilly RNLI  reached a yacht in difficulty just off Tullagh Bay.

The All-Weather Lifeboat was launched and the crew made their way to the vessel with one person on board. The sailor was having difficulty with his anchor and the decision was made to put a crew member on board to assist the sailor.

Despite the efforts from the volunteer crew, the anchor couldn't be released from the sea bed. Once it was established that the yachts engines were working, the crew cut the anchor rope freeing the yacht. The crew then assisted the lone sailor in rigging a temporary anchor and the yacht departed towards Greencastle harbour for repair and a rest. The crew then returned Buncrana pier to refuel and make ready for service.

"Remember if you're in difficulty in or on the water, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard," Lough Swilly RNLI  said.