2 September 2017
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Baltimore RNLI were called out this morning (Saturday 2 September) to a tug with three people on board which had broken down north of Drowlaun Point off Sherkin Island in West Cork.
The volunteer lifeboat crew launched their all-weather lifeboat at 9.45am after they were alerted by the skipper of the tug boat that they had broken down and required assistance. Baltimore lifeboat arrived on scene at 9.52am and established a tow to the casualty vessel, a 12.5m tug boat. Conditions at the time were good with a southerly force 4-5 wind and a calm sea.
The lifeboat towed the vessel back to Baltimore Harbour, securing her to the pier, before returning to the lifeboat station at 10.40am.
There were seven volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat, Coxswain Aidan Bushe, Mechanic Jerry Smith and crew members Micheal Cottrell, Eoin Ryan, Diarmuid Collins, Jim Baker and Sean McCarthy.
Speaking following the callout, Kate Callanan, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘With freshening southerly winds and heavy rain forecast for the next 24hrs we are urging everyone in coastal areas especially to be aware of the potential dangers. If you see anyone in difficulty call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
