Volunteer crew from thee RNLI stations assist family of three
Volunteers from Crosshaven, Youghal and Ballycotton RNLI came to the aid of a grandfather, his daughter and grandson who were thrown into the water when their 420 dinghy capsized East of Whitegate Oil Refinery.
Crosshaven RNLI crew members Denis Cronin and Claire Morgan along with two crew members from Youghal RNLI, Karen Walsh and Noel Joyce who happened to be in the station participating in a first aid course launched the inshore lifeboat immediately to the scene, after being paged at 3.50pm today (Thursday 11 August).
En route, it was reported the casualties had been taken from the water by a RIB, coincidentally crewed by two crew members from Ballycotton RNLI, Alan Cott and Conor Philpott. Another RIB, Sea Safari “C Breeze" was also standing by.
On arrival two of the casualties were transferred over to the lifeboat and were medically checked by Claire whilst the dinghy was righted and the casualty vessel made way to Cobh. As the two casualties on the lifeboat were very cold, It was decided to head to Cobh and their vehicle where dry clothing would be available. Once landed, the lifeboat headed back to the dinghy and escorted it to a safe berth in Cobh.
Shore crew included Gary Heslin, Hugh Mockler, Sandra Farrell, Darryl Hughes, Kline Peneyfeather and Jonny Bermingham.
Ends
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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