28 July 2017
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Baltimore RNLI was launched this evening (Friday 28 July) to a Mayday report of a Drascombe Lugger sailing boat with two people onboard taking on water in Schull Harbour.
The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat following a request from the Irish Coast Guard at 6.11pm. This was the second launch of the day for Baltimore RNLI.
The lifeboat proceeded to the scene with calm conditions at sea – a westerly force 4 wind and good visibility.
Schull Coast Guard’s inshore rescue boat was on scene first at 6.17pm and took the vessel under tow and brought it safely back to Schull Harbour. Baltimore RNLI was stood down at 6.22pm and the lifeboat returned to the station, arriving there at 6.40pm.
The lifeboat had seven volunteer crew onboard including Coxswain Kieran Cotter, mechanic Brian McSweeney and crew members Jerry Smith, Micheal Cottrell, Eoin Ryan, Don O’Donovan and Kieran Collins. Aidan Bushe and Rianne Smith provided shore crew assistance at the lifeboat house.
Speaking following the call out, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘The sailors did the right thing this evening and raised the alarm when they found themselves in difficulty. We would like to commend our colleagues in the Irish Coast Guard who arrived on scene and brought the vessel to safety.
‘We would encourage anyone taking to the sea this summer to respect the water. Always check the forecast and tide times before you go and make sure someone ashore knows where you are going and what time you are due back. Always wear a lifejacket and always carry a means of calling for help. If you get into difficulty call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
