Ballycotton RNLI rescues six people onboard yacht east of Ballycotton Lighthouse
Ballycotton RNLI rescued six people on a yacht that got into difficulty east of Ballycotton Island this morning (Tuesday 9 August).
The 9m Dutch yacht suffered a fouled propeller four and a half nautical miles east of Ballycotton island.
Ballycotton RNLI's all-weather lifeboat, The Austin Lidbury was requested to launch by Valentia Coast Guard at 12.01am following a request for assistance from the crew of a student training yacht whose vessel's propeller was fouled on a lobster pot marker and were unable to sail to the nearest safe harbour as there was not enough wind. They had begun their journey yesterday morning in Kilmore for Cork as part of a college training voyage to circumnavigate Ireland.
With excellent weather and sea conditions and clear visibility, the lifeboat launched under Coxswain Eolan Walsh and with five crew members onboard and were quickly able to locate the yacht and assess the situation. After confirming all people onboard were safe, Alan Cott, a volunteer crew member boarded the yacht and was able to cut the rope wrapped around the propeller and free of the vessel.
The lifeboat crew then secured a tow rope to the yacht and returned to Ballycotton pier at approximately 2.30am.
Speaking following the call out, Ballycotton RNLI Coxswain Eolan Walsh said: ‘It was approximately 11pm when the yacht's propeller became fouled. The crew remained calm and made the correct decision to request assistance from the Irish Coast Guard when they encountered propeller difficulties. Everyone onboard was wearing a lifejacket and were relieved to see us.
'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 crew expressed their gratitude to Ballycotton RNLI and will remain in Ballycottton until repairs have been carried out before setting sail on the rest of their journey. We wish them the best of luck.'
To ensure peoples own safety in or on the water please adhere to the relevant water safety guidance for your activity. More information can be found at www.rnli.org.safety
If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble; dial 999 or 112 or use VHF radio CH 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.
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