The crew of the Lough
Swilly Lifeboat were tasked from Buncrana yesterday
when a luxury cruiser got into trouble off Fanad
Head.
The 37ft vessel with a man and woman on board, was
drifting half a mile off the head around 3.30pm
after its propeller and rudder got tangled in rope.
RNLI spokesperson Barry Stevenson said the situation
was perilous for a time and the rescue helicopter
was put on standby.
"The cruiser managed to make contact with Malin Head
Coast Guard who then tasked the lifeboat," said Mr.
Stevenson.
"Our inshore lifeboat with a three-man crew went to
the scene. A Swilly yacht which was also in the
vicinity stayed nearby as support. While weather and
sea conditions were pretty favourable, the fact that
the boat was drifting and was half a mile north of
Fanad Head, made it dangerous for a time."
The local RNLI crew managed to tow the stricken boat
to Leenan Bay where, it is understood, the rope came
free itself. The cruiser was then able to carry on
its journey to Downings. |
