RNLI crew help two sailors off Cork coast

Kinsale RNLI came to the aid of two sailors in difficult weather conditions this week.

Its inshore lifeboat, Sally Anne (Baggy) II, was requested to launch at 9.26am on Tuesday to go to the immediate aid of two sailors on a 25ft sailing vessel which had run into difficulty off Barry’s Head.

The distress alarm was raised by the yacht's crew with the Valentia Coast Guard Marine Co-Ordinating Rescue Centre when they ran into difficulty with a damaged mast.

The volunteer crew made their way to the scene south of Barry’s Head, between Nohoval village and Oysterhaven. The crew arrived on scene at approximately 10am.

The lifeboat crew assessed the situation and decided that as the sailors were unable to make any safe onward progress, they needed to establish a tow line to secure the yacht and return the sailors safely to the nearest safe port at Kinsale Boatyard.

Weather conditions were described as difficult at the time with a 2-3m swell, rain and a coastal fog.

Conditions remained challenging throughout the rescue.

Speaking after the call out, Kevin Gould, Kinsale RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: “Like these sailors rightly did, we would remind everyone of the importance of wearing a lifejacket and a harness where appropriate.

“As the evenings are closing in and winter approaches, also remember to check weather forecasts and tide times before venturing out and if you get into difficulty or see someone in difficulty, call the Irish Coast Guard on 999 or 112,” Kevin Gould added.