Three call outs in five days for Courtmacsherry RNLI

The lifeboat was requested at 10.45pm on Tuesday night (12 July) to launch in search of a person in a kayak that was overdue from Dunworley Bay on the Seven Heads peninsula. The lifeboat under Coxswain Ken Cashman and a crew of six were underway within minutes. The alert was raised by family personnel and an observer from the shore. While the kayaker had overturned, he was able to right himself and was able to get ashore by himself. The lifeboat returned to base after being recalled at 11.15pm. Crewmembers on Tuesday's call out were Coxswain Ken Cashman, mechanic Dave Philips, Denis Murphy, Paul McCarthy, Donal Young, Dean Hennessy and Enda Boyle.

On Wednesday evening at 5.40pm, the pagers were again activated by the Coast Guard Marine Rescue co-ordination centre in Valentia, as a pleasure craft had developed mechanical problems two miles off the Old Head of Kinsale. The lifeboat under Coxswain Mark Gannon and a crew of six reached the casualty at 6.15pm and following an assessment, the casualty was towed back to the nearest port in Courtmacsherry. Crewmembers on this call out were Coxswain Mark Gannon, mechanic Stuart Russell, Chris Guy, Donal Young, Ken Cashman, Mark John Gannon and Dave Philips.

The third call out was to rescue a person from the rocks off Broadstrand on last Saturday (9 July) in conjunction with the Old Head / Seven Heads Coast Guard unit and the Coast Guard Rescue 117 Helicopter. The person was brought by the lifeboat back to Courtmacsherry Pier and transferred to a waiting HSE Ambulance.

The lifeboat crew on this call out were Coxswain Mark John Gannon, mechanic Stuart Russell, Tadgh McCarthy, Denis Murphy, Austin McKenna, Dave Philips, Pat Lawton and Conor Dullea.

As the fine weather continues, and we head into peak holiday season, we would stress to all those that are partaking in any water activities or planning a visit to the coast over the busy summer season, to remember and follow RNLI safety advice below to stay safe at all times.

• Have a plan - check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage.
• Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach, on the shoreline and in the water.
• Don’t allow your family to swim alone.
• Don’t use inflatables at all, at all on the sea
• Make sure to wear a lifejacket at all times when taking to the sea in a boat.
• If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and Float.
• In an emergency dial 999 or 112 immediately, and ask for the Coast Guard.

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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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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