Cork RNLI crew in nine hour callout

A RNLI crew came to the rescue of 4 people 52 miles off the coast of Baltimore on Sunday.

The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat from Baltimore just before 1pm following requests from the Irish Coast Guard and the UK Coastguard to go to the assistance of a 36-foot motor yacht, which had encountered difficulties.

The Baltimore all-weather lifeboat crew arrived at the casualty vessel at 3.22pm. After making sure all 4 people onboard were okay, Coxswain Aidan Bushe assessed the situation and decided that undertaking a tow was necessary and the safest way to assist the casualties at this time.

The lifeboat and casualty vessel were underway by 3.30pm.

The lifeboat then continued to Baltimore Harbour, the nearest safe and suitable port, and secured the casualty vessel at the pontoon at 10.14pm.

The lifeboat then returned safely to the station, arriving at 10.25pm.

There were 6 volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat.

These were Coxswain Aidan Bushe, Mechanic Michael Cottrell and crew members Pat Collins, David Ryan, Colin Whooley and Jim Griffiths.

Conditions at sea during the call were choppy with an easterly force 3-4 wind, a 1.1m sea swell and good visibility.

Speaking following the call out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: “It was a long callout for our volunteer lifeboat crew who spent over 9 hours at sea, but the occupants of the yacht did the right thing in requesting assistance. We wish them well with the rest of their journey.

“If you get into difficulty at sea or on the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coast guard.”

Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, the charity has saved more than 142,700 lives.