Baltimore RNLI provides assistance to a yacht in difficulty
Baltimore RNLI were called out to provide assistance to a yacht with one person onboard that got into difficulty off the coast of Baltimore, West Cork, earlier this evening (Thursday 28 July).
The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their inshore lifeboat at 5.26pm, following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to go to the assistance of a 25 foot yacht, with one person on board, which had suffered engine problems just over 1 mile south of Baltimore Harbour.
The Baltimore inshore lifeboat crew reached the casualty vessel within five minutes of launching. When the inshore lifeboat arrived on scene a local passenger boat, owned and skippered by volunteer Baltimore lifeboat crew member Jerry Smith, was already standing by. Helm Pat O’Driscoll decided that undertaking a tow was necessary and volunteer crew member Conor Harrington was put aboard the casualty vessel to assist the lone sailor in rigging a tow. The inshore lifeboat and casualty vessel were underway by 5.35pm and proceeded to Baltimore Harbour, the nearest safe and suitable port. Once the casualty vessel was secured at the pier in Baltimore Harbour, the lifeboat returned to the station, arriving at 6.20pm.
There were four volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat, Helm Pat O’Driscoll and crew members Conor Harrington, James Kitt and Kieran O’Driscoll. Assisting at the lifeboat station were Rianne Smith and Stuart Musgrave. Conditions during the call were fresh with a south easterly force 3 wind causing a choppy sea.
Speaking following the call out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘If you find yourself in difficulty whilst at sea or along the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
Ends
RNLI media contacts
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]
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.