Union Hall RNLI came to the aid of three people on a raft in difficulty after the volunteer crew were diverted from a routine training exercise on Saturday morning (29 August).
The inshore lifeboat was requested at 9.50am by Valentia Coast Guard to assess the situation at the small sound, an area between Rabbit Island and the mainland at Union Hall in West Cork.
Helmed by Sean Walsh and with crew members Ríona Casey and Lily Riddle onboard, the lifeboat Christine and Raymond Fielding immediately diverted.
When the lifeboat arrived on scene, the crew found two casualties in the water trying to assist the raft across the channel. The raft had become caught in weather conditions, with north-westerly winds at 4-5 knots.
The crew took the casualties and raft aboard and took them the short distance back ashore at 10.10am, and then returned to station. The volunteer lifeboat crew were supported ashore by head launcher John Kelleher and shore crew Raymond Limrick and Deirdre Forristal.
Saturday’s call-out was the first shout for lifeboat volunteers Deirdre Forristal and Lily Riddle | Credit: RNLI/Pamela Deasy
Following the call-out, John Kelleher, Union Hall RNLI lifeboat operations manager said: “We would like to commend the three people for all wearing lifejackets, and all having a means of communication, and we wish them well.
“Today was the first shout for two of our volunteers and we congratulate Lily Riddle and Deirdre Forristal. Lily is a crew member and Deirdre has recently joined as shore crew.
“Always remember If you see someone in trouble on or near the water, remember Phone, Float, Throw: phone 112 or 999 and ask for the coastguard to get help; tell the struggling person to Float to Live; and throw them something that floats, such as a life ring.”
