Ballycotton RNLI, a team of volunteer lifeboat crew, rescued three fishermen on board a 12-metre boat that was disabled 23 miles southeast of Ballycotton lighthouse on the County Cork coast. The rescue happened during the early hours of Sunday morning.
The Austin Lidbury, Ballycotton RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat, received a request to launch by Valentia Coast Guard at 6:55 am to attend to the fishing boat. The boat had suffered difficulties and was disabled and adrift.
The lifeboat quickly made its way southeast towards the stricken vessel. Upon arrival to the scene at 8:08 am, the crew confirmed that everyone on board was safe. The crew established a secure tow line and towed the fishing boat at a speed of six knots.
Ballycotton RNLI and the fishing boat arrived safely at Ballycotton at approximately 12:28 pm. Once the fishing boat was secured, Ballycotton's lifeboat was washed down, refuelled, and ready for service again.
The visibility was poor to moderate, with a wind force of 5/6 and two and a half-metre swell. The lifeboat crew was made up of Coxswain Eolan Walsh, deputy mechanic Mike Kenneally, Síle Scanlon as navigator, Claire McCarthy, Cíaran Walsh, Ronan Lynch, and Eolan Breathnach.
Coxswain Eolan Walsh commented on the call-out, saying, "Thankfully, all three fishermen were wearing life jackets and 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."
The rescue was also a significant milestone for two members of the lifeboat crew. Mike Kenneally, the deputy mechanic, was hailed for his first rescue in his role, and Síle Scanlon was also recognised for her first rescue as a navigator.