Five young teenagers were assisted to safety this evening as they were transferring by dinghy from a Yacht to the shore and their engine failed.
With 6 knots of an ebbing tide running, the dingy was quickly swept down the East Ferry channel.

Other persons onboard the yacht alerted Valentia Coastguard to the plight of the teenagers and Crosshaven RNLI lifeboat launched at 9.58pm
with Alan Venner, Dan O'Donoghue and Ian O'Keefe on board to make the 6 mile crossing of Cork Harbour to East Ferry arriving on scene at 10.15pm.

On arrival, the motor vessel "Vixen" had responded, rescued and taken on board the persons adrift, The lifeboat stood by whilst "Vixen" put them ashore at Murphy's pier.
The crew made sure the occupants were in no need of medical help. It then became apparent that two adults and three further children were now marooned
on board their yacht with no tender and the 45' yacht had too deep a draught to come alongside. The lifeboat proceeded to the yacht, took off and landed
the remaining five persons at Murphy's pier.

The lifeboat then returned to the station, refuelled, washed down and was ready for service at 11.15pm

#Members of the public, former employees of Verolme Cork Dockyard in Cobh, Cork Harbour, their families are being invited to take a trip down memory lane and to remember the glory days of shipbuilding in Cork on 24th and 25th August 2013. Verolme Cork Dockyard employed over 1200 at its peak and closed in 1984, although ship repair is still carried out on the site. Cobh Tourism Ltd and a small committee have been planning this Gathering Ireland 2013 event for several months and have put together a comprehensive programme of events.

An opening ceremony will be held on Saturday 24th August at 11 am in the Promenade in Cobh followed by a series of shipping related lectures in the Commodore Hotel from 1 pm to 6 pm that are sponsored by Cobh Town Council and the Commodore Hotel.

The lectures will be on the Irish Naval Service by Cmdr. Steve Walsh, Irish Shipping Ltd – The First Fifteen Ships by the Rosslare Maritime Enthusiasts, Launching of a Ship by John Brennan, Heavy Lifting Platforms by Capt. Pat Murphy, Port of Cork and the History of Port of Cork by Capt. Pat Farnan.

From immediately after the lectures on Saturday there will be an informal social evening in the Commodore Hotel, commencing with a performance by local sea shanty group Molgoggers.

Also on Saturday there will be free tours of the VCD built Naval Patrol Vessel LE Aoife from 2 until 5 pm at the deepwater quay.

A photographic exhibition of close to 200 photographs covering all aspects of the development of the yard, the ships built and repaired, the many other projects completed and the people working there will be staged at Cobh Heritage Centre. This exhibition is generously sponsored by the Port of Cork and will run until 15th September. Admission is free.

Former dockyard workers and their families are invited to the official opening by Capt. Michael McCarthy on Thursday 22nd August at 6 pm.

On Sunday morning at 10 am there will be a remembrance mass in St. Colman's Cathedral and the baptismal font that was made by dockyard workers in 1970 and recently refurbished by former dockyard workers will be rededicated.

The unveiling of a Memorial at Cork Dockyard to all those who worked in the yard will take place at 11.45 am and this is open to everyone. From 12.15 until 4 pm there will be ongoing free guided tours of the yard and this will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for former workers and their families to take a trip down memory lane.

As parking in the vicinity of the yard is limited, people are encouraged to take the train to Rushbrooke from either Cobh or Cork as so many employees did in the past. On Sunday trains from Cobh leave at 11.30, 12.30, 13.30, 15.00, 16.30, 17.30 and 18.30.

Trains from Kent station, Cork depart at 11.00, 12.00, 13.00 and 14.30.

The cruise liner Balmoral will be berthed in Cobh from lunchtime on Sunday, adding another family friendly activity to a town that is packed with things to see and do.

#Sea–fi– Following a successful trial period, the Port of Cork has announced details of their partnership with Ringaskiddy based company Sea-Fi Marine Data Communication Ltd. Sea-Fi is a wireless network covering the navigational areas of Cork Harbour, and up to 10 Km off Roches Point and over the last six months Sea-Fi have provided Wi-Fi on board the Port of Cork owned vessels, MV Denis Murphy and MV Gerry O'Sullivan.

This has proved very successful, allowing the work vessels send and receive emails, images and work reports from around Cork Harbour. It has also proven a time and money saver, eliminating the need for the work vessels and crew to go back to base for administrative purposes, as this can now be completed on board.

The partnership between the Port of Cork and Sea-Fi will see the roll-out of SeaFi Horizon™ WiFi for all visiting commercial vessels either sailing or on anchor inside and outside Cork Harbour. This is the first port in Ireland to have a fully operational Sea-Fi network.

Speaking about the partnership, Port of Cork Harbour Master, Captain Paul O'Regan said: "Following the successful trial period on board our tug and work-boat we are very pleased to announce this partnership with local based company Sea-Fi. Currently many commercial vessels using the Port of Cork use the internet via their on board sat-coms. Offering a Wi-Fi service will mean they have a more efficient service when transferring large data and faster download speeds which means cost savings for the ships equipped with a SeaFi Horizon™ ship station."

He continued: "Very often some crew have no access to the internet while in a port, but now with Port of Cork SeaFi Dockside™ service, crew will be able to access their emails, call their family with Voice over IP (VoIP) which will greatly improve crew welfare."

Initially this partnership will see the SeaFi Dockside™ being rolled out at Ringaskiddy Deepwater Berth, Tivoli Container Terminal and Cobh Cruise Terminal. This is not a marina style Wi-Fi network, but a highly advanced system capable of transferring large amounts of data, if required.

It is proposed in the future to roll out a similar service which would be offered to leisure craft using Cork Harbour.

#CorkHarbour - Many thanks to the Hurdy Gurdy Museum in Howth (@HurdyGurdyRadio on Twitter) for tipping us off to this fascinating radio documentary on the history of the port of Cobh in Cork Harbour, first broadcast all the way back in August 1954.

The programme, produced for Radio Éireann, charts the history of the town well before the visit of the ill-fated Titanic in 1912 and its role as the point of departure for emigrants during the famine, all the way back to its beginnings in 1780.

The entire documentary is available to stream or download from the RTÉ Documentary on One website HERE.

#420 – Two races sailed outside Roches Point in light winds saw a conclusion after nine races and one discard to the 2013 420 dinghy National Championships at Royal Cork Yacht Club this evening. Results available to download below.

The wind died completely at the end of the last race as brothers Harry and David Whitaker (RCYC) took first place overall, with Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove (HYC and SSC) second and Ewan McMahon and Colin O'Sullivan (HYC / MYC) third. 16 boats competed.

Dickson and Waddilove, ISAF Youth Worlds reps in Cyprus, put up the main challenge and had more first places than the Whitakers but had to settle for second overall to the ever consistent brothers.

Lizzy and Cara McDowell (MYC) were first girls in 6th place overall. Second girls were Cliodhna no Shuilleabhain and Jil McGinley (KYC /RCYC) with Kate and Alanna Lyttle (RSGYC) in third place

For many of the leading sailors this event set them up nicely for their next challenge as no sooner were the boats back in the dinghy park on Sunday than they were being loaded onto a big trailer and off to Pwllheli in North Wales for the 420 Junior Europeans which start later this week. 

#portofcork – The Port of Cork Company have today announced their annual results for 2012 and despite the on-going national economic downturn; the port returned an improved performance in 2012 compared to 2011.

Total traffic in volume terms amounted to 9.05 million tonnes, against a volume of 8.8 million tonnes in 2011. Turnover amounted to €21.8 million, an increase of 1.87% and after deducting costs, the profit on ordinary activities before taxation amounted to €1.36 million.

Commenting on the 2012 annual results, Port of Cork Chief Executive, Brendan Keating said: "We are pleased to announce our 2012 results today which have returned an improved performance compared to 2011."

He continued: "Reliable accessible ports delivering prosperity is vital to the achievement of economic recovery in Ireland. We see investment in handling equipment and facilities as key to the future of our business and that of our customers and we are intent on growing our business. The Port of Cork is central to a brighter future for the Irish economy because of the value it brings in moving goods to market for both customers and businesses alike."

Throughout 2012, the company maintained its commitment to capital investment by making additions to fixed assets of up to €6 million. This brings investment levels by the company, since incorporation in 1997, to €103 million. Recent achievements in 2012 saw the Port of Cork complete a new compound in Ringaskiddy to accommodate a new Maersk transatlantic service which commenced in January 2012. This is the first Lo-Lo (Lift on Lift off) deep sea service in Ireland. A new dry bulk store at the Deep-water berth in Ringaskiddy was completed by port customer Arkady, which has helped to increase the volume of trade through the port. This will also help to facilitate the growth of the dry bulk sector. In 2012 the Port of Cork also took delivery of a new pilot boat named 'Failte' and won the business of servicing the Exxon Mobil oil exploration project.

Oil Traffic at Philips 66, Whitegate Oil Refinery amounted to 5 million tonnes, an increase of 1.36%. Non-oil traffic amounted to 3.64 million tonnes showing an increase on 2011 of 6%.

Container traffic through the port increased by 6%, bringing the total volume of containers handled at the port in 2012, to 166,285 TEU. Currently the Port of Cork has weekly container services calling to mainland Europe, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Zeebrugee and Southampton. A deep sea transatlantic container service linking Central America to North West Europe also operates weekly.

While the liquid bulk and container traffic increased, imports of animal feedstuffs also increased. The Port of Cork anticipates further increases in the agri-business, particularly when the reforms to the CAP come into effect in 2015.

In 2012, the Port of Cork welcomed 57 cruise liners, carrying in excess of 100,000 passengers and crew to the region. The visiting cruise liners make a very significant contribution to the economy. The investments made by the Port in recent years developing the cruise facilities in Cobh, continue to show positive returns with booking levels continuing to grow year on year. At the global annual cruise shipping exhibition, Seatrade Miami 2012, the Port of Cork was awarded 'Best Shore Side Welcome' and 'Best Tour Guides'. These awards highlight the commitment and effort the Port of Cork make for every cruise liner calling to Cork.

Brittany Ferries' weekly passenger service from Cork to Roscoff had another successful season operating between March and November 2012. The Port of Cork remains fully committed to establishing new routes from Cork and continues to work to develop a route from Cork to Northern Spain.

Consistent with the Strategic Development Plan Review of 2012, the Port of Cork is planning for the delivery of new Port infrastructure in the lower harbour. This key infrastructure will be required to service the businesses of Ireland for the next 20 years, as they grow and prosper and avail of trading opportunities in global markets. In 2012, by way of planning for this infrastructure, the port carried out a consultation process with An Bord Pleanála. Following the recent publication by Government of the National Ports Policy Statement, in which the Port of Cork was highlighted as a Tier 1 port of National Significance, it is hoped that such recognition will help to accelerate the consultation process. The Port of Cork proposes to lodge a planning application with An Bord Pleanála by the end of 2013, following further public consultation and community engagement.

During 2012, the port was involved in a number of local community based projects in Cork Harbour. Additionally, the very successful schools initiative organised by the port, continues to grow. Now in its seventh year, the initiative attracts up to 20 primary schools from the Cork city and harbour area and helps raise awareness of the Port of Cork and Cork Harbour among 5th class children.

Sustaining the quality of the environment in Cork Harbour, particularly in areas which have the potential to be affected or influenced by Port Operations remains a priority for the Company. The Port of Cork is as always committed to the highest standards of environmental management through the implementation of the environmental management programme and standards consistent with the renewed ISO14001 accreditation and Eco Ports foundation.

#CorkHarbour - Untreated sewage is being discharged from "multiple" locations into Cork Harbour as residents await the development of new waste water treatment works.

As reported by Fine Gael Councillor Deirdre Forde, harbour officials have given confirmation that "there are still multiple untreated discharges to Cork Harbour.

"It is not simply a case of repairing a broken sewer to cease untreated discharges," the spokesperson added.

Waste water from Crosshaven, Carrigaline, Ringaskiddy, Passage West and Cobh, among other areas, is discharged through a number of outflows into the lower harbour - a region earmarked for a new drainage scheme project that's projected to be completed three years from now.

Harbour officials underlined that the level of the water table has no impact on the discharge, and that as the lower harbour is not designated for bathing there are no issues for swimmers.

#corkharbour –  Camden Fort Meagher commemorated the 75th anniversary of the handover of the fort from British Crown Forces to The Irish Defence Forces writes Claire Bateman. Scroll down for photos of last night's ceremony.

Camden Fort Meagher, situated in Crosshaven, Cork Harbour, Co. Cork, was one of several Treaty Port forts transferred to the Irish Government in 1938. It is recognised as being one of the finest remaining examples of a classical Coastal Artillery Fort in the world.

Paul Brierley, Project Coordinator at Camden Fort Meagher, emphasised the significance of the event. "We are delighted to commemorate this historic occasion which marks a pivotal point, not only in the fort's history, but also in our National history." The fort was officially renamed Camden Fort Meagher on the histrical evening, highlighting two significant figures in Britsh and Irish military history, the Earl of Camden and Thomas Francis Meagher.

The ceremony for the occasion last evening was hugely historical, and was filled with emotion, poignancy, happiness and pride. The fort was filled to capacity, the sun shone on everyone and every place. The Cork designed and built L.E. Eithne was moored off the fort. She was designed by Patrick Martin, Chief Naval Architect at Verolme Cork Dockyard where she was built. As Flaghip of the Irish Naval Service, Eithne led by firing the first salute, and this was returned by an Army salute with two 25 pounder canon.

The scene with the crowds, excitement, blazing sun, the presence of the British Ambassador, His Excellency Dominic Chilcott CMG, complete with elegant panama hat – could have been reminiscent of an Indian setting though we knew it was our own beautiful country! Other distinguished guests for the official renaming of the Fort included the Mayor of Cork County, Councillor Noel O'Connor, Cork County Manager, Martin Riordan and a very distinguished guest in the person of Mr. Michael Kelly a 97–year–old veteran who had seen service at the Fort when it was under British Command.

LE Eithne passes by Fort Meagher during last night's commemoration. Photo: Bob Bateman. Scroll down for more photos.

The Irish Army, Irish Navy and retired units from reserve forces that have trained at the fort were also represented on the evening.

The natural setting was made all the more splendid by the yachts taking part in the Royal Cork Yacht Club Thursday night racing and made a lovely sight passing the L.E. Eithne on their way back to Crosshaven.

All in all, a most magical evening that will provide lasting memories for all that were privileged to be present and no memory more poignant than that of the Army figure silhouetted in the evening sunlight raising the Tricolour to the haunting sound of the lone Bugle.

The evening concluded with the official flypast of the Irish Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter from Waterford.

#ClubMedCruise – As previously reported on Afloat.ie, Club Med's impressive five-masted cruiseship Club Med 2 (1992/14,983grt) docked into Cork Harbour this morning, writes Jehan Ashmore.

She had sailed overnight from Brest and her presence alongside Cobh will make for a refreshing sight compared to the usual albeit considerably larger cruiseships that compete with the town's steep sided ramparts.

The 637 foot long the Club Med 2 which is normally associated with the splendours of the Mediterranean Sea during the summer months also cruises in Caribbean waters during the winter.

A crew of 200 cater for the floating resorts 439 passengers who can indulge in a stress-free atmosphere thanks to two swimming pools and fitness rooms. Passengers can also enjoy sporting pursuits ranging from sailing, snorkelling, water-ski and windsurfing which are provided from the nautical hall of the vessel. Guests are accommodated in 175 cabins and 11 suites.

Tomorrow the Port of Cork is set to welcome 1,500 Australians and 400 Kiwis to the town as part of their Sydney to Sydney 104-night World Cruise on board the Sea Princess. In addition Cobh will be hosting Australia Day and hopefully with the weather to match!...while watching the Rugby action 'Down-Under'.

#corkharbour – Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Simon Coveney T.D. joined organisers of Cork Harbour Open Weekend in the Royal Cork Yacht Club, Crosshaven to officially announce the dates for the exciting harbour open weekend. The weekend event will take place on 14th & 15th September 2013 and once again organisers promise it to be an excellent weekend of fun for all the family with many events free to the public.

Organisers are particularly excited about the raft race organised by the scouts on the River Lee which no doubt will be a great spectacle from Cork City quays.

The open weekend is a great opportunity for people to see exactly what Cork Harbour has to offer, and this year will be no exception with the second largest natural harbour in the world playing host too many different activities.

While the programme of events is still coming together, organisers confirmed there will be an open day in the RCYC for anyone keen to try out sailing, a children's crab fishing competition in Cobh, a free open day at the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI), a rowing race around Spike Island, an Air Sea Rescue Demonstration and family fun on Spike Island. An Irish Naval vessel will also be open to the public for free tours on both Saturday and Sunday in Cork City.

The idea for a Harbour Open Day, now extended to a full weekend, emerged from discussions between various stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of the Integrated Strategy for the Harbour in 2007. This has been taken forward by the Harbour Management Focus Group (HMFG) which meets quarterly to exchange information on Harbour issues. A HMFG working group comprising representatives from UCC, City and County Councils and the Port of Cork set about working together to engage users of the Harbour and to organise the Open Day.

If anyone is interested in getting involved with Cork Harbour Open Weekend or would like to organise an event, please contact [email protected] to request an event application form. Your event will be promoted on the lead up to the weekend via local media, CorkHarbour.ie website, twitter and facebook.