Union Hall RNLI goes to aid of two people on a yacht in difficulty.
The second callout in three days for the volunteers at Union Hall.
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 9.52pm yesterday (Friday 2nd September) to a 35ft yacht with two people onboard, that had got difficulty three quarters of a mile mile west of Galley Head, in West Cork.
The lifeboat under Helm Aodh O’Donnell with crew Chris Collins, Sean Walsh and Ríona Casey launched at 10.00pm, in a westerly force 4 wind. The two onboard had called for assistance due to engine failure and freshening weather conditions. A line was attached and the lifeboat towed the yacht to the nearest safe and suitable port of Union Hall, arriving back to the lifeboat Station at 00.05 (Saturday morning) after securing the yacht at the pier.
Following the call out, Peter Olden, Union Hall RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: ‘It is always advisable to call the Coast Guard on 112 or 999 if you are in difficulty, or you see someone in trouble, on or near the water. Always wear a lifejacket, carry a means of communication and wear suitable clothing for the trip at sea’.
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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