Ballycotton RNLI Lifeboat The Austin Lidbury was called to action off the Cork coast on Saturday, May 4th, following a request for assistance from the crew of a 24ft power boat that had suffered mechanical failure. The boat was on passage from Penzance to Kinsale when the incident occurred.
The lifeboat launched at 6:34 pm after receiving the request from Valentia Coast Guard and arrived on the scene at 8:05 pm. With moderate wind, smooth conditions, and excellent visibility, the six volunteer crew members were able to assess the situation and speak with the two people on board.
After careful consideration, it was decided that the best course of action was to tow the vessel back to Crosshaven. A secure tow line was established, and the 24ft boat was towed at a speed of 6 knots back to Crosshaven. With the assistance of Crosshaven Harbour Master Kieran Coniry, the boat was brought alongside Port of Cork pontoon in Crosshaven at 2:00 am.
The crew then made their way back to Ballycotton, arriving at 3:15 am, where the boat was washed down and refuelled, ready to go back into service. The volunteer lifeboat crew included Mechanic Adam Hussey, Navigator Síle Scanlon, Mike Kenneally, Adrian Erangey, and Áine Flynn.
Reflecting on the callout, Coxswain Eolan Breathnach said, "Thankfully, conditions were excellent, and both people were wearing lifejackets and had called for help as soon as they encountered engine difficulties." He advised people to take the correct water safety advice for the activity they are taking part in and always make sure they have a means of raising the alarm if things go wrong.
The RNLI provides an on-call, 24/7 search and rescue lifeboat service, and they continue to urge people to adhere to relevant water safety guidance for their activity. More information can be found at www.rnli.org.safety.
