The Ballycotton RNLI Lifeboat was called to action on Friday 3 May, after a power boat suffered engine failure just south of Ballycotton Island. The Austin Lidbury was requested to launch by Valentia Coast Guard at 5.11pm, following a request for assistance from the crew of the vessel, who were on passage from Waterford to Monkstown.
With moderate wind and clear visibility, the Ballycotton RNLI was quick to launch and arrived on scene at 5.30pm. Once the crew had assessed the situation and spoken with the two people on board, a decision was made to tow the vessel back to Ballycotton. A secure tow line was established and the seven-metre boat was brought alongside to Ballycotton pier at 7.00pm.
Volunteer James Patton, along with fellow crew members Adam Hussey, Adrian Erangey, Síle Scanlon, Stephen Sloane, and Ronan Lynch, responded to the callout. For Patton, it was his first shout, and Coxswain Eolan Breathnach commended his efforts, saying, "Thankfully conditions were very good and the boat was located not far from the harbour, both people were wearing lifejackets and had called for help as soon as they encountered engine difficulties."
Breathnach also advised the public 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.