Tragedy averted as four rescued from sinking dinghy off Waterford coast

Four people have been rescued from a sinking dinghy off the Waterford coast.

As the country basked in sunshine once more on Saturday, sun seekers converged on beaches up and down the country. A potential tragedy, however, was averted in the South East after some quick-thinking from a member of the public. 

The RNLI unit at Helvick Head were deployed after a tip-off to the Irish Coast Guard from an eagle-eyed member of the public on Saturday evening when four people got into difficulty in an unpowered dinghy. 

The dinghy was said to be sinking when RNLI rescuers arrived and it had drifted out to sea, leaving its occupants stranded. No serious injuries were reported. 

The Helvick Head RNLI team has said that "a potential tragedy was averted" thanks to the call to the Irish Coast Guard. They also urged people to "respect the water."

A great shout last night, potential tragedy averted. 4 casualties taken from an unpowered and sinking dinghy, drifting on the tide/breeze. Thankfully spotted by an eagle-eyed member of the public, who rang the Coastguard, we were launched, and all ended well. #respectthewater

— Helvick Head RNLI (@HelvickHeadRNLI) July 15, 2018

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