The Dunmore East RNLI lifeboat was called out yesterday (Tuesday) to assist a vessel in distress approximately four miles southeast of Hook Head.
The vessel, with two people aboard, had caught fire and called the Irish Coast Guard for emergency assistance. The Dunmore East RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were alerted at 1.27pm and the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, William and Agnes Wray, was launched.
The situation had been brought under control and extinguished by the time the lifeboat arrived on the scene approximately 12 mins after leaving the pontoon.
Upon arrival, the condition of the vessel and its occupants was evaluated. It was found that the crew of the vessel had followed their emergency procedures successfully, managing to control and safely extinguish the fire onboard. However, the vessel was now without power and adrift.
The coxswain of the lifeboat, Roy Abrahammsson, spoke highly of the vessel's crew.
"Their actions were commendable," he said. "It's a testament to their experience and training that they managed to extinguish the fire swiftly, preventing what could have been a very serious situation. They did the right thing in calling for help, and we were there to provide the support they needed. This incident underlines the importance of safety procedures and emergency preparedness at sea."
Given the situation, the decision was made to tow the vessel back to the safety of Dunmore East Harbour. Upon arrival, Waterford Fire Brigade, Gardaí and Irish Coast Guard were on hand to conduct further checks and offer assistance if necessary.
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