Baltimore RNLI launch to boat fire
Baltimore RNLI were called out to reports of a boat on fire off Sherkin Island in West Cork earlier this afternoon (Saturday 10 July).
The volunteer lifeboat crew, under Coxswain Aidan Bushe, launched their all-weather lifeboat at 3.34pm, following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to attend a boat fire in Horseshoe Harbour, Sherkin Island off the coast of West Cork.
When the Baltimore all-weather lifeboat arrived at the scene at 3.39pm the occupants of the rib had already been removed to another vessel and all were safe.
Volunteer crew members from the lifeboat used the onboard fire hose on the burning vessel but unfortuntely the rib was beyond recovery and it sank a short time later. The lifeboat returned to the station, arriving at 4.07pm.
Conditions at sea during the call were calm with a south-westerly force 2-3 wind, no sea swell and good visibility.
Speaking following the call out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘There were a number of vessels in the immediate vicinity at the time this fire broke out and Baltimore RNLI would like to thank those who assisted in bringing the occupants of the rib to safety. If you get into difficulty at sea or on the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
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For more information please telephone Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 0872906607 or email [email protected] or contact Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or [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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