Castletownbere RNLI assists lone sailor to safety

Castletownbere RNLI lifeboat Annette Hutton was put on standby yesterday evening when a yacht 85 miles south west of Bere Island requested assistance from Valentia Coast Guard Radio. The vessel, a 15 metre yacht Mae West with one person onboard had left the Netherlands and was commencing its transatlantic voyage when it experienced difficulty with its propellor. In storm-force conditions, the sailor decided to turn back and head for Castletown under sail.

The Castletownbere lifeboat was launched at 10.15am and located the stricken vessel, in Force 5 winds with a one metre swell, five miles south west of Ardnakinna lighthouse at 10.35am. The vessel was successfully taken under tow and berthed at Castletownbere pier at 12.20pm. The sailor expressed his sincere thanks to the crew for assistance.

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RNLI Media Contact
Castletownbere RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Paul Stevens Tel: 086-6015110

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