Union Hall RNLI goes to aid of four people on yacht in difficulty
The volunteer crew at Union Hall RNLI were requested to launch their inshore Atlantic 85 class lifeboat Christine and Raymond Fielding, by Valentia Coast Guard at 4.28pm today (Friday 29th July) to a 9m yacht with four people onboard, that had got difficulty a mile south of Galley Head, in West Cork
The lifeboat under helm Michael Limrick with crew Sean Walsh, Ríona Casey and Charlie Deasy launched at 4.34pm, in a westerly breeze with moderate sea conditions at the time.
Once on scene, an assessment was carried out by the crew and due to the yacht being tangled in a lobster buoy, the rope was cut, so that the boat could drift free, and the buoy was reattached to the rope.
The four onboard the yacht, thanked the crew and were happy to continue themselves, and the lifeboat returned to Union Hall Lifeboat Station at 5.11pm
Following the call out, Jim Moloney, Union Hall RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: ‘It is always advisable to call the Coast Guard on 112/999 if you are in difficulty, or you see someone in trouble on or near the water, wear a lifejacket, carry a means of communication, wear suitable clothing for the trip at sea’.
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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