Baltimore RNLI provides assistance to a motor boat with two people onboard
Baltimore RNLI were called out to provide assistance to a motor boat with two people onboard that got into difficulty near the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse off the coast of West Cork earlier this evening (Wednesday 22 June).
The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their inshore lifeboat at 4.40pm, following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to go to the assistance of a 30 foot motor boat with two people on board which was suffering from mechanical problems less than 1 mile north of the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse.
The Baltimore inshore lifeboat crew arrived on scene at 5.03pm and the casualty vessel had managed to start an engine and was attempting to make it’s own way to port. The inshore lifeboat stood by however, shortly afterwards the vessel suffered further engine failure so Helm Pat O’Driscoll decided that undertaking a tow was now necessary. Volunteer crew member Kieran O’Driscoll was put aboard the casualty vessel to assist in rigging a tow and shortly after the lifeboat and casualty vessel were underway and heading 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 6.51pm.
There were four volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat, Helm Pat O’Driscoll and crew members Ian Lynch, James Kitt and Kieran O’Driscoll. Conditions at sea during the call were calm with a westerly force 3-4 wind and excellent visibility.
Speaking following the call out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘This is the second call in two days for Baltimore RNLI, after yesterday responding to a yacht in difficulty. Just as the occupants of both vessels did, it is important to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard as soon as you find yourself in difficulty at sea.’
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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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