Courtmacsherry RNLI rescues sailor after boat breaks down and sails blow out
Courtmacsherry RNLI's all-weather Trent class lifeboat was called out this afternoon (Tuesday 31 August) at 2pm, to go to the aid of a 30ft yacht with a lone sailor onboard that got into difficulties two miles south west of the Old Head of Kinsale in West Cork.
The lifeboat, Frederick Storey Cockburn launched under Coxswain Sean O Farrell and a crew of five and was underway away quickly from its moorings, after the station was alerted by the Irish Coast Guard, that the yacht had suffered engine failure and a sails blow out on passage from Glandore to Kinsale.
Once the lifeboat reached the scene at 2.26pm, Coxswain Sean O Farrell assessed the situation and as the vessel was completely disabled and conditions at sea were worsening, a decision was taken to put the lifeboat tow line onboard the yacht and proceed under tow to the nearest port of Kinsale.
Conditions at sea were fresh with blustery Force 5 winds and strong 3m swells off the Old Head. The lifeboat proceeded to tow the boat back to Kinsale at a slow safe speed and arrived to the safe surrounds of the Harbour Marina at 4.30pm.
The sailor was pleased to see the lifeboat and expressed his extreme thanks to all involved in today’s rescue.
Courtmacsherry RNLI Deputy Launching Authority Vincent O'Donovan said: 'With the freshening winds today, it was great to reach the vessel so quickly and give the lone sailor the comfort that he required. Great praise is due again for the fast response of all the crew and officers who left their workplaces and rushed to the station, in order to help a fellow seaman in distress at sea this afternoon.'
Crew involved in this afternoon’s call out were Coxswain Sean O'Farrell, mechanic Stuart Russell and crew members Mark John Gannon, Dara Gannon, Dave Philips and Dean Hennessy.
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