Two days after Kinsale RNLI launched to the aid of two sailors after their 34ft yacht lost steering, the West Cork lifeboat rescued a lone sailor who was drifting off the Old Head of Kinsale on Monday (1 July).
The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat at 7.41pm on Monday evening at the request of the Irish Coast Guard.
It took 12 minutes for the lifeboat — helmed by Jonathon Connor and with crew members Ian Fitzgerald, Eoin Keyes and Gareth John onboard — to arrive on the scene to the 30ft yacht with one person onboard.
Weather conditions were described as blustery with a north-westerly wind, Force 4 to 5, but good visibility.
As the sailor was unable to make safe progress from their position due to a mechanical issue with the yacht, it was decided to secure a tow and bring the vessel to the nearest safe port at Kinsale Harbour, where everyone arrived back safely at 8.20pm.
Speaking following the call-out, lifeboat helm Jonathon Connor commended the sailor for wearing their lifejacket and carrying a means of communication to call for help.
“We would like to remind people to always check the weather forecast as well as the swell forecast especially along the coast. Check the wind strength as it can cause rapid changes in weather.
“Like this sailor, wear a lifejacket or personal floatation device suitable for the activity you are taking part in and carry a means of communication that you can access quickly. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”
More recently, on Friday morning (5 July), Kinsale RNLI was requested to launch its inshore lifeboat at 8.20am following a report from the Irish Coast Guard that two swimmers were missing between Dock Beach and Sandycove.
One of a group of swimmers had raised the alarm when two people were reported overdue. It prompted a multi-agency response, and the lifeboat crew had commenced a shoreline search when an update came through that both swimmers had made it back to shore unaided. The lifeboat was stood down at 8.49am.
