Baltimore RNLI launched after yacht is propped off the coast of Baltimore, Cork
Baltimore RNLI launched at 12.30pm today (Wednesday 4 July), after a yacht with two people onboard became propped near Cape Clear Island off Baltimore, West Cork.
The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested by the Irish Coast Guard to go to the assistance of a 40 foot yacht with two people onboard which had become propped on a buoy in a tidal area known as the Gascananne Sound located between the islands of Sherkin and Cape Clear off the coast of Baltimore.
The Baltimore all-weather lifeboat with five volunteer crew aboard including Coxswain Kieran Cotter, mechanic Cathal Cottrell and crew members Sean McCarthy, Jerry Smith and Aidan Bushe, arrived on scene at 12.45pm. Another rib with a volunteer lifeboat crewman, Simon Duggan, was already in the area and remained on standby until the lifeboat arrived.
After an assessment of the situation the smaller Y-boat was launched from the all-weather lifeboat to access the area, with crew members Sean McCarthy and Aidan Bushe aboard. They tried to free the yacht themselves however the buoy remained stuck so a tow was established. As soon as the lifeboat took the yacht on tow it was pulled clear of the buoy and after assessing that all was fine with the casualty vessel the tow was discontinued and the yacht continued on its journey. The lifeboat then returned to station in Baltimore.
Speaking following the call out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘Whilst there was no immediate danger to life, the crew aboard the yacht did the correct thing in requesting assistance as this particular stretch of water is known for its strong tides. If you get into difficulty on the water or along the coast, 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
Niamh Stephenson RNLI Regional Media Manager Tel: 087 1254 124 / 01 8900 460 email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Regional Media Officer Tel: 087 6483547 email: [email protected]
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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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