Two competitors in a major sailing race were rescued in a dramatic overnight operation by Lough Swilly RNLI lifeboat crew.
The alarm was raised shortly after 10:45 pm on Wednesday night when Malin Head Coast Guard received a distress call from a 36-foot yacht. The vessel, carrying two crew members, had got into difficulty near Inishtrahull Island, roughly 7 nautical miles northwest of Malin Head.
The yacht, reportedly participating in the gruelling ‘Round Ireland Race,’ had lost power and its sails had become tangled in the mast.
Lough Swilly RNLI’s All Weather Shannon Class Lifeboat was immediately deployed to assist the struggling vessel.
Weather conditions during the rescue were described as “challenging”, with strong winds blowing up to Force 8. Despite the difficult circumstances, the lifeboat crew successfully secured the yacht and towed it to Culdaff Bay, where the crew attempted to untangle the sails and restore power.
At around 3am, as the weather worsened, the crew managed to free the sails, but the decision was made to tow the yacht further for safety reasons.
The lifeboat crew brought the vessel to the secure harbour at Greencastle. Once safely delivered, the lifeboat crew then undertook the return journey to Buncrana Pier, where they refuelled and prepared for their next mission.
Lough Swilly Press Officer, Joe Joyce commended the skill and dedication of the volunteer crew. He stated that this was a very challenging service call for everyone involved and wished the crew on the yacht the best of luck as they hope to continue with their race.
