Fishermen towed to safety near Arklow

Arklow RNLI came to the aid of two fishermen on Monday afternoon after their 10-metre vessel suffered mechanical failure roughly seven nautical miles south-east of Arklow Harbour.

The volunteer crew launched the Roy Holloway, their all-weather lifeboat, shortly after receiving the distress call. Under the command of Coxswain Eddie McElheron, the lifeboat reached the stricken vessel just 20 minutes later.

Conditions at sea were challenging, with a fresh Force 5 westerly breeze blowing as the lifeboat crew arrived on scene to find the fishing boat adrift and without propulsion. After a swift assessment, the crew decided a tow was necessary and safely brought the vessel back to Arklow Harbour, arriving at 3.15pm.

The lifeboat crew on the callout included Coxswain Eddie McElheron, mechanic James Russell, navigator Liam O’Neill, along with Roger Tyrell, Michael Mordant, and Dave Molloy. Alan Meehan served as Launch Authority.

Speaking after the rescue, Arklow RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer Mark Corcoran reflected on the callout, which came just after the official naming ceremony for their new lifeboat:

“This call out reminds us exactly why the late Roy Holloway left such a generous legacy to the RNLI. He was moved by the bravery of lifeboat crews after receiving a Christmas card depicting a lifeboat battling stormy seas. Thanks to his support, our volunteers can continue to answer the call when needed, just as they did today.”