Major rescue operation for freighter without power off Hook Head

RNLI lifeboat crews from Dunmore East, Kilmore Quay and Rosslare Harbour were called yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 20 October) to assist a cargo vessel that had lost power off Hook Head and was close to rocks in stormy seas.

The 4,000 tonne Lily B freighter had sailed from Brunsbüttel at the mouth of the Elbe in northern Germany to Waterford when it lost power coming out of Waterford port, according to the Irish Times.

A major rescue operation took place to prevent the coal carrying freighter’s loss, with nine crew aboard.

The 100m ship called for assistance as she was drifting in Force 6 south westerly winds that were throwing up four- to five-metre swells.

A rescue operation was launched by the Irish Coast Guard Marine Rescue Centre based in Dublin and the Waterford Rescue 117 helicopter was dispatched to the scene.

Three RNLI lifeboats, from Rosslare and Kilmore Quay in Co Wexford and Dunmore East in Co Waterford, arrived on scene and managed to get tows on board to hold the ship from drifting towards the head.

However, without sufficient power to tow the freighter back to port, a tug was dispatched from Waterford.

An operation is currently ongoing off Hook Head, Co. #Wexford. Rescue 117 and multiple lifeboats are involved. The vessel ((Lily B) is powerless and is being pounded by heavy southeasterly winds. @KMcAuleyPhoto pic.twitter.com/YMj2aWUElv

— Causeway Coast Community (@causewaynews) October 20, 2020