Valentia RNLI assists three fishermen after boat nets get caught in propeller
Three fishermen were brought to safety by Valentia RNLI on Thursday afternoon (29 June), after their 14m boat got into difficulties.
At 3.17pm, Valentia Coast Guard requested Valentia RNLI’s volunteer crew to launch their all-weather lifeboat and to go to the aid of three fishermen two miles west of Inishvickillane, Blasket Island. Weather conditions at the time we described as moderate with a 3-4m sea swell and a force 5-6 westerly wind.
The alarm was raised after a fisherman reported that nets were caught in a propeller. Arriving on scene, the coxswain carried out an assessment of the vessel and it was decided the best course of action was to tow the vessel to the nearest safe port at Portmagee harbour.
Meanwhile, last Saturday (24 June) the volunteer crew launched the lifeboat at 11.35pm to assist a sole sailor in difficulty on a 37ft yacht. The sailor was two miles north west of Kells Bay. Arriving on scene, the sailor was assessed by the crew and found to be suffering from exhaustion. A decision was made to tow the casualty to the safety of Valentia Harbour.
On Sunday (25 June) Valentia RNLI launched to reports of a swimmer in difficulty at Coumeenoole Beach, Slea Head. The volunteers were stood down two minutes after launch as the casualty was picked up by a nearby boat.
Speaking following the call outs, Michelle O’Shea Valentia RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer said: 'Our recent call outs all had positive outcomes. As summer is well underway, we would like to remind all users of the sea to be as prepared before going to sea. We would encourage all should you get into trouble or see someone else in difficulty, to dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.'
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