The Baltimore volunteer lifeboat crew assisted the crew of a sailing yacht, that had suffered engine failure, yesterday evening.
The 12 metre vessel had two people on board at the time of the incident, which happened just south east of Kedge Island - around 1 mile from the entrance of Balitmore Harbour.
Speaking following the call out, Baltimore RNLI reminded the public to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard, if you get into difficulty at sea.
Baltimore RNLI received a request from the Irish Coast Guard and launched their inshore lifeboat at 7pm, arriving at the casualty vessel at 7.15pm.
The volunteer lifeboat crew were already at the lifeboat station at the time and about to go on exercise
Helm Pat O’Driscoll assessed the situation and decided that a tow was necessary.
Volunteer crew member Kieran O’Driscoll was put aboard the casualty vessel to assist in rigging a tow and once established, the inshore lifeboat, with the casualty vessel under tow, proceeded to Baltimore Harbour.
A second volunteer crew member, Rob O’Leary, was transferred on to the casualty vessel to assist with securing the yacht to the pontoon and once they made sure that the sailors were happy the lifeboat returned to the station, arriving at 8.45pm.
There were four volunteer crew onboard the lifeboat, Helm Pat O’Driscoll and crew members Kieran O’Driscoll, Ian Lynch and Rob O’Leary.
Assisting at the lifeboat station were Tom Kelly and Seamus O’Driscoll.
Conditions at sea during the call were calm with a westerly force 3 wind, no sea swell and good visibility.
Speaking following the call out, Pat O’Driscoll, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Helm said: ‘Due to the position the yacht was in when we arrived, we decided a tow was necessary and the safest option to assist them. Please remember if you get into difficulty at sea, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
