Ballycotton RNLI rescued three people from a 30ft yacht after it suffered steering difficulties off Roches Point on Thursday night, 20 August. The all-weather lifeboat The Austin Lidbury was requested to launch by Valentia Coast Guard at 9.50 pm after the yacht's crew called for assistance approximately 1.5 miles south of Roches Point.
Ballycotton RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Andy Browne authorised the launch, and the lifeboat was underway from Ballycotton pier within 10 minutes. Coxswain Eolan Walsh was joined by mechanic Alan Cott, navigator Sile Scanlon and crew members Eolan Breathnach, Adrian Erangey, Stephen Sloane and Claire Murphy.
Conditions on departure were north-westerly Force 4–5 winds with moderate visibility.
Yacht Taken Under Tow to Crosshaven
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 10.37 pm and made contact with the yacht, where all three people on board were reported safe and wearing lifejackets. Following an assessment, the RNLI crew decided to establish a tow because the yacht could not make safe onward progress and there was a risk of it drifting closer to the coastline.
The yacht was towed to Crosshaven, where Crosshaven Coast Guard personnel and the pier manager were standing by at the pontoon to assist in bringing it safely alongside.
The Ballycotton lifeboat returned to station at 1.30 am and was refuelled and back on service by 1.45 am.
RNLI Praises Crew for Raising Alarm
Browne said the incident demonstrated the importance of contacting the Coast Guard at the first sign of difficulty.
“The yacht’s crew acted appropriately by raising the alarm, and thankfully all three people were safe and wearing lifejackets when our lifeboat arrived,” he said.
He reminded people going to sea to ensure their vessels are properly maintained, safety equipment is checked before departure, and they carry a reliable means of communication.
“Mechanical or steering problems can quickly become serious at sea, particularly in challenging weather conditions,” Browne said. “If you find yourself in difficulty, don’t delay in seeking assistance. Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
