Baltimore RNLI launched after yacht runs aground on rocks in Baltimore, Cork

The Baltimore inshore lifeboat launched at 10.46am after receiving notification that a 14 metre sailing yacht with two people onboard had run aground on rocks in Baltimore harbour.

The lifeboat with four volunteer crew aboard, helm Micheal Cottrell and and crew members Pat O’Driscoll, Kieran Collins and Colin Rochford arrived on scene at 10.48am. Lifeboat crewman Kieran Collins went aboard the casualty vessel and a tow was established. The inshore lifeboat pulled the vessel clear of the shore and the two sailors checked for any damage. Once the sailors were happy that there was no damage to the yacht, the lifeboat towed the yacht head to wind to allow the crew of the yacht to set their sails. Lifeboat crewman Kieran Collins returned to the inshore lifeboat and the yacht continued on its journey. The inshore lifeboat returned to the boathouse at 11.12am. Assisting at the boathouse was Rianne Smith.

Conditions at the time of the call were blustery with a west north westerly force 4-5 wind and between 0.2m and 0.5m sea swell on the shore.

Speaking following the call out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘As soon as the yacht had gone ashore the sailors alerted Kieran Cotter, the coxswain of the Baltimore all-weather lifeboat of their predicament and Kieran raised the alarm with the on-duty launch authority for Baltimore lifeboat. There was a fast response time of 12 minutes from the alarm initially being raised to the inshore lifeboat reaching the casualty vessel. 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 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.

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