Lifeboat 'has not been stolen'

Rescuers have moved to reassure seafarers off Ireland’s south west coast after reports that a lifeboat has been stolen.

The RNLI stressed that none of its vessels in Courtown, Co Wexford, have been taken by thieves.

“No lifeboat has been stolen,” said RNLI spokeswoman Niamh Stephenson.

“Courtown lifeboat is fine, it is where it should be.”

Ms Stephenson said an RNLI crew member had his personal inflatable boat stolen in the early hours of this morning.