Angle RNLI made a round trip of over 50 miles on Monday, June 24.

Angle All-Weather Lifeboat was requested to launch at 7.53pm following the activation of a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) registered to a French solo sailor, 60 miles South West of St Anne’s Head. The vessel had lost AIS signal around seven hours previously, where at that time she was south of Kilmore Quay, Ireland.

The lifeboat launched and began making best speed out to the last known position, with an ETA of approximately two hours. Because the lifeboat would soon lose VHF reception, the Coastguard passed their search instructions shortly afterwards.

Kilmore Quay All-Weather Lifeboat and Irish Coastguard Rescue helicopter R117 were also tasked. The helicopter was first on scene and soon located the vessel. Following communication with the single handed yachtsman, it was soon confirmed that he had dropped the PLB causing an accidental activation. This information was relayed to the coastguard and all assets were stood down.

Lifeboat and crew were around 25 miles South West of St Anne’s Head when they were stood down. Following a steady passage home, the boat was back on her mooring and readied for further service by 10.40pm.