RNLI to the rescue as rough seas hit the fleet

Sailing Lifeboats had to be called out to rescue a fleet of Special Olympics sailing boats being towed through rough seas in Dublin Bay yesterday.

None of the crew aboard the 12 boats were injured in the incident although one of the boats, valued at €9,000, sustained some damage.

No athletes were on board the vessels during the incident.

The boats were being transported from Howth to Dún Laoghaire marina but they became exposed to a strong westerly gale when they left the shelter of the Howth headland.

Two lifeboats from the RNLI were called out to help the fleet.

A spokesman for the RNLI said the crew members had to endure extremely rough seas and breaking waves.

"The conditions were up above what was expected, but the crew were clearly determined to get their boats to Dún Laoghaire for the Special Olympics and their persistence paid off. They had taken all the safety precautions expected," the spokesman said.

The rough conditions also saw the cancellation of the Sigma European Championships.

The 12 squibs were loaned by the Howth-based Squib Class Association and were manned byexperienced owners and crews. While eight of the squibs made it to Dún Laoghaire, four others turned back to Howth.

It is expected that another attempt to tow the rest of the boats will take place when conditions allow. The boats will be used for Special Olympics sailing competitions at the Royal St George Yacht Club in Dún Laoghaire from Monday to Friday.