Youghal RNLI came to the aid of two fishermen and a kayaker in separate incidents on Wednesday (19 June).
The volunteer lifeboat crew first received a request from the Irish Coast Guard just before 4pm following reports that a fishing boat had broken down five miles south east of the lighthouse in Youghal Harbour.
Helmed by Joe O’Connor on his first call in command, the inshore lifeboat launched with crew members Jason Ansbro, Noel Joyce and Jason Innes also onboard.
The crew quickly arrived on scene and after assessing the situation, they observed the two people onboard to be safe but as the boat could not make any safe onward progress, it was decided to set up a tow and bring the vessel back to Youghal Harbour's pontoon.
Later in the day, at 7.50pm and while out on a training exercise, helm Joe O’Connor with crew members Jason Innes, Ivan Bryan and new volunteer crew member Rhys Thomas were flagged down by a group of kayakers who needed assistance just east of Capel Island.
The crew noted one of the kayaks had taken on water which caused it to flip over and be submerged. On arrival, the crew observed two kayakers in the water with one assisting the other.
After assessing the situation, the crew recovered both kayakers onboard the lifeboat and casualty care was carried out on one who was very cold. The remainder of the group made their way to Knockadoon Pier.
The lifeboat made its way to the shore where the casualty was looked after by the crew and Youghal Coast Guard and the National Ambulance Service on their arrival.
Speaking after both call-outs, John Hearne, Youghal RNLI lifeboat operations manager said: “It was great to have two successful outcomes today and we wish all involved the very best.
“Today marked some significant milestones for two of our crew members as it was Joe’s first time in command as helm for not one but two call outs that were back to back and he did an amazing job alongside his fellow crew members.
“It was also a first for our newest volunteer crew member Rhys Thomas as it was his first time out on a training exercise when the lifeboat was diverted to the group of kayakers in difficulty. We couldn’t do what we do without the dedication of our volunteers, it really is a team effort and I commend them all.”
