Baltimore RNLI called out to assist tug broken down off West Cork coast
Baltimore RNLI was called out this morning (Saturday 2 September) to a tug with three people on board which had broken down north of Drowlaun Point off Sherkin Island in West Cork.
The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat at 9.45am after they were alerted by the skipper of the tug boat that they had broken down and required assistance. Baltimore lifeboat arrived on scene at 9.52am and established a tow to the casualty vessel, a 12.5m tug boat. Conditions at the time were good with a southerly force 4-5 wind and a calm sea.
The lifeboat towed the vessel back to Baltimore Harbour, securing her to the pier, before returning to the lifeboat station at 10.40am.
There were seven volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat, Coxswain Aidan Bushe, Mechanic Jerry Smith and crew members Micheal Cottrell, Eoin Ryan, Diarmuid Collins, Jim Baker and Sean McCarthy.
Speaking following the callout, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘With freshening southerly winds and heavy rain forecast for the next 24hrs we are urging everyone in coastal areas especially to be aware of the potential dangers. If you see anyone in difficulty 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.