Two rescued by Courtmacsherry RNLI after pleasure boat suffers engine failure
Courtmacsherry RNLI's all-weather lifeboat was called out this evening (Saturday 11 September) at 5.50pm, to go to the aid of a 21ft pleasure boat with two crew and their dog onboard that got into difficulties off the Barrells Rocks, one mile from Garrettstown in West Cork.
The lifeboat, Frederick Storey Cockburn under Coxswain Mark John Gannon and a crew of five were away quickly from their moorings, after the pleasure boat which suffered engine failure on passage from Courtmacsherry to Kinsale, sought immediate help.
Once the lifeboat reached the casualty at 6.15pm, Coxswain Mark John Gannon assessed the situation and with a strong south west wind blowing towards the nearby rocks and shore cliffs, a decision was taken to put the lifeboat towline onboard the vessel and proceed under tow to the nearest port of Courtmacsherry.
Conditions at sea today were very fresh and blustery Force 4 winds. The boat was able to use its anchor to keep it away from the nearby breaking Barrell Rocks and another pleasure boat stood by to provide safety backup until the lifeboat arrived. The lifeboat then proceeded to tow the boat back to Courtmacsherry at a slow safe speed and arrived to the safe surrounds of the Harbour pontoon at 7.15pm. The crew onboard the pleasure boat expressed their extreme thanks to all involved in today’s rescue.
Courtmacsherry RNLI Deputy Launching Authority Philip White said: 'With winds blowing strongly towards the dangerous shoreline today, it was great to reach the casualty quickly and perform a smooth rescue. Again thanks to all the volunteers today with some leaving their TV sets midway through the All Ireland Football Final to help others in trouble at sea.'
The volunteer Courtmacsherry RNLI crew involved in this afternoon’s call out were Coxswain Mark John Gannon, mechanic Chris Guy and crew members Donal Young, Dave Philips, Evin O'Sullivan and Jim O Donnell. Today was supposed to be a well earned rest and recovery day for crewman Jim O'Donnell as he had just completed a week long climb of Seven Peaks across the UK and Ireland on yesterday Friday, in aid of the emergency services including his beloved Courtmacsherry RNLI Lifeboat Station. Volunteer Jim put the champagne on ice and ran to the station once his bleeper was activated.
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