Baltimore RNLI launches during Storm Hannah

The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat at 8.30pm after learning of a local fishing trawler that was dragging its anchor. The 26.2m trawler, which was at anchor under Sherkin to shelter from Storm Hannah, was dragging due to high winds.

The Baltimore all-weather lifeboat arrived on scene at 8.43pm and transferred four extra crew aboard the trawler. Once they were satisfied that the casualty vessel was back at safe anchor the lifeboat returned to the station in Baltimore, arriving at 9.11pm.

There were seven volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat, Coxswain Kieran Cotter, Mechanic Cathal Cottrell and crew members Pat Collins, Aidan Bushe, Davey Ryan, Jerry Smith and Kieran Collins. Assisting at the boathouse in Baltimore were Micheal Cottrell, Brian MacSweeney and Rianne Smith. Conditions at sea during the call out were very rough with force 10 winds gusting to force 11, and a 2m sea swell within the harbour.

Speaking following the call out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘With the orange weather warning in place it is advisable not to venture out unnecessarily. Sea conditions will remain rough over the next few days so exercise caution in particular along the coastline. If you get into trouble or see anyone in difficulty at sea or along the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

Ends

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 087 2906607 or [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or [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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.