Fishermen rescued off Ballycotton

Three fishermen were rescued off the coast of Cork after the boat they were on suffered difficulties and was adrift.

The fishermen were on board a 12 metre boat that was disabled 23 miles south east of Ballycotton lighthouse and were brought to safety by volunteer lifeboat crew from Ballycotton RNLI during the early hours of Sunday morning, 4 February.

Ballycotton RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat, The Austin Lidbury, was requested to launch by Valentia Coast Guard at 6.55am to the fishing boat. The crew quickly made its way south east towards the stricken vessel arriving to the scene at 8.08am.

A spokesperson for the crew said at the time of the rescue visibility was poor to moderate and there was a wind force of five/six and a two and a half metre swell. Once the crew had confirmed all crew on board were safe, a secure tow line was established. Towing at a speed of six knots, Ballycotton RNLI and the fishing boat arrived to Ballycotton at approximately 12.28pm. Once the fishing boat was safely secured, Ballycotton lifeboat was washed down, refuelled and ready again for service.

Commenting on the call out, Ballycotton RNLI Coxswain Eolan Walsh said: “Thankfully all three fishermen were wearing lifejackets and had called for help as soon as they encountered difficulties. We would advise people to take the correct water safety advice for the activity they are taking part in and to always make sure they have a means of raising the alarm if things go wrong.”

The lifeboat crew was made up of Coxswain Eolan Walsh, deputy mechanic Mike Kenneally, Síle Scanlon as navigator, Claire McCarthy, Cíaran Walsh, Ronan Lynch and Eolan Breathach.

The crew also sent their congratulations to Mike Kenneally as it was his first rescue in the role of mechanic and to Síle Scanlon as it was her first rescue in the role of navigator.