Courtmacsherry RNLI comes to aid of skipper on 26ft fishing pleasure boat
Courtmacsherry RNLI's all-weather lifeboat Val Adnams, was called out by Valentia Coast Guard Marine Rescue Co-Ordination Centre at 11.35am this morning (Thursday 30 May) to go to the immediate aid of the skippers of a 26ft fishing / pleasure boat which had got into difficulties off Clonakilty Bay.
The lifeboat under Coxswain Tadgh McCarthy and a volunteer crew of five, launched quickly and was away from its moorings at 11.45am. The conditions at sea today were poor with winds blowing force 5 and gusts up to 50km reported.
The casualty was located at 12.10pm approximately 2km off the Inchydoney Island headland. As the winds were strong and a danger posed by strong running tides, a decision was made to take the casualty vessel in tow.
When in calmer waters, two members of the lifeboat crew were put onboard the fishing vessel to assist the skipper. The lifeboat arrived back to the safe surrounds of Courtmacsherry Pier at 2.45pm and the lone skipper was delighted to be in safe territory again.
Vincent O'Donovan. Courtmacsherry RNLI Launch Authority and Lifeboat Press Officer said: 'Thankfully the casualty this morning sought help quickly by contacting Bandon Gardai when he got into difficulties. The winds at sea were strong today so it was important to dial 999 or 112 and we encourage people to seek help if they need it and hope that all users of the coastline stay safe on this coming June Bank Holiday weekend with fine weather forecasted.'
The lifeboat crew on this mornings call out were Coxswain Tadgh McCarthy, mechanic Stuart Russell and crew members Kieran Boyle, Chris Guy, Dave Philips and Dean Hennessey. For crew member Chris Guy, who recently received of a 30 year long service award, it’s been an eventful week, as this time last week, he was one of the Courtmacsherry RNLI's representatives at the 200 Anniversary garden party in Buckingham Palace hosted by the royal family.
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