Baltimore RNLI launched after boat runs aground in heavy fog off Baltimore

The volunteer lifeboat crew were paged at 00.39am to launch the lifeboat and go to the assistance of a 50ft vessel with three people on board. Sea conditions in the area were calm however visibility was poor due to fog that had descended at the time.

The lifeboat under the command of Coxswain Kieran Cotter and with mechanic Cathal Cottrell and crew members Pat Collins, Kieran Collins, Don O’Donovan, Jerry Smith and Micheal Cottrell proceeded to the area and reached the vessel within 15 minutes of launching. After assessing the vessel’s situation and checking the area around the vessel for any navigational hazards a tow was established and the vessel was pulled clear.

There was no apparent damage to the vessel and no injuries to anyone on board so the vessel made its own way to Baltimore harbour, escorted by the lifeboat. They arrived at the pier at 1.20am and the lifeboat then returned to station.

Speaking following the call out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘With bad weather forecast for the next few days we would remind everyone taking to the sea to respect the water. Always wear a lifejacket and always carry a means of calling or signalling for help. If you get into difficulty at sea, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

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RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Kate Callanan Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Tel: 087 290 6607 or Baltimore RNLI Deputy Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Cyril Thornton Tel: 087 9876718

For more information please contact Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Ireland on 0876483547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Ireland on 0871254124 or 018900460 or email [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.