Baltimore RNLI assists a yacht in difficulty off the coast of West Cork
Baltimore RNLI were called out yesterday evening (Friday 25 April) to provide assistance to a yacht with three people onboard that got into difficulty 3 miles south of Sherkin Island, West Cork.
The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat at 6.14pm, following a request from the Irish Coast Guard to go to the assistance of a 45 foot yacht which was south of Sherkin with three people on board. The skipper of the yacht had raised the alarm after they experienced difficulties trying to make their way to Cape Clear Island on passage from Kinsale. Their main sail had ripped and they then tried to make their way under motor but suffered engine failure and had no means to continue without assistance.
The Baltimore all-weather lifeboat crew arrived at the casualty vessel at 6.33pm. Coxswain Jerry Smith assessed the situation and after speaking with the skipper decided that undertaking a tow was necessary. The lifeboat passed a tow to the yacht and the lifeboat and casualty vessel were underway by 6.37pm. The lifeboat then proceeded to Baltimore Harbour, the nearest safe and suitable port, arriving at 7.46pm. Baltimore RNLI volunteer crew members assisted the skipper and crew of the casualty vessel in securing the yacht to the pier in Baltimore. Once the skipper was happy, the lifeboat departed and made the short journey back to the station, arriving at 7.59pm.
There were six volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat, Coxswain Jerry Smith, mechanic Micheal Cottrell, navigator Kieran Collins and crew members Colin Whooley, Brian McSweeney and Don O’Donovan. Conditions at sea during the call were fresh with an easterly force 5-6 wind and a 2.3m sea swell.
Speaking following the call out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘The skipper did the right thing in calling for immediate assistance as soon as he realised that his situation had worsened, and it was good to see that he and all his crew, including the dog, were in lifejackets. Should you get into difficulty at sea, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
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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 is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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