Cork RNLI lifeboats launched 66 times this summer

During the summer the seven RNLI lifeboat stations in Cork were launched a total of 66 times. Baltimore's lifeboat crews launched their new lifeboat and inshore boat 16 times and the inshore lifeboat at Crosshaven was launched 15 times, while Kinsale crews went out 12 times. Lifeboat crews at Youghal were also launched eight times, Ballycotton five times with Courtmacsherry lifeboat having launched six times and Castletownbere four times.

Baltimore RNLI put their new Tamar class lifeboat to good use alongside their inshore one to help save the lives of two teenagers kayakers who were trapped in a cave when a wave capsized them. In challenging conditions and churning seas, a lifeboat volunteer swam into the cave and brought the pair to safety as part of a multi-agency operation including local Coast Guard crews.

Two teenagers were brought to safety by Crosshaven RNLI when they became cut off by the tide and Kinsale RNLI rescued a man who fell into the water at Castlepark. The lifeboat crew at Courtmacsherry were called out to help the crews of two yachts in separate incidents on the same day. The first was to four people onboard a 46 ft yacht which got into difficulty close to rocks in difficult sea conditions while the second was to a 20 ft sailing boat that got into difficulty off the Old Head.

Youghal RNLI was launched to go to the aid of a 7 m cabin cruiser with three people on board in August which had suffered engine failure with its' anchor dragging off Mangans Bay while Ballycotton lifeboat volunteers launched to aid a lone fisherman who had got into difficulties onboard his vessel.

The lifeboat crew in Castletownbere responded to two separate tragedies in which two well respected and much loved members of their local community were drowned. Members of Castletownbere RNLI extend their deepest sympathies to the families of those involved.

The Baltimore station was the fifth busiest station in Ireland over the summer months and they will be naming their new €3 million lifeboat this Saturday.

"This has been another busy season for the RNLI despite the unpredictable weather and there have been some stories of incredible bravery and also some stories of incredible loss. In all cases out lifeboat volunteers have shown extreme professionalism and commitment. Each and every callout is different and conditions, locations, duration and activity can vary. In many cases our volunteers are involved in callouts that go on for a number of hours throughout the night and their employers support them in their volunteering, " said Owen Medland, RNLI Training Divisional Inspector.