Ballycotton RNLI assists five people to safety after engine problems on 7m boat
Five people onboard a 7m boat that had suffered engine failure approximation two miles off Ballycroneen in East Cork were brought to safety by volunteer lifeboat crew from Ballycotton RNLI today.
The lifeboat The Austin Lidbury was requested to launch by Valentia Coast Guard at 1.47pm (Monday 11 September).
Conditions were slightly choppy with wind force 2-3 and an incoming tide. The boat had dropped anchor to secure position until the lifeboat arrived. The lifeboat with seven volunteer crew members was quickly on scene and the crew were able to assess the situation.
The decision was made to establish a stern tow line and bring the boat and its passengers back to Cork harbour. Once the tow line was secured, the lifeboat and boat made way at a speed of 4-5 knots. As they got closer, the vessel was brought on an alongside tow to berth up at the Hugh Coveney pier in the Port of Cork where the harbour master and Crosshaven RNLI Deputy Launch Authority were on standby on the pontoon to assist.
Commenting on the call out, Ballycotton RNLI Coxswain Eolan Walsh said: ‘Thankfully conditions were good and all five people were wearing lifejackets and the owner of the boat had called for help as soon as they encountered difficulties. 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. 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.
Ballycotton lifeboat returned to Ballycotton by 5.05pm where it was washed down and refuelled ready for the next call out.
Ballycotton lifeboat crew were made up of coxswain Eolan Walsh, deputy mechanic Alan Cott, Eolan Breathnach, Aine Flynn, Stephen Sloane, Michael Kenneally and Ronan Lynch.
The RNLI provides an on call 24/7 search and rescue lifeboat service. 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
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