Baltimore RNLI volunteers launched on Thursday afternoon (17 September) to assist a yacht that had run aground on rocks near Barlogue Bay, around four miles from Baltimore in West Cork.
The all-weather lifeboat launched at 1.31 pm following a request from the Irish Coast Guard after the skipper of the 25-foot yacht, which had two people on board, raised the alarm.
Yacht Wedged on Rocks
The lifeboat reached the yacht at 1.48 pm, where Coxswain Aidan Bushe assessed the situation. With the tide dropping and the yacht's keel wedged on the rocks, a tow was established, and the lifeboat succeeded in pulling the vessel free.
Baltimore RNLI volunteer Maria Coleman then transferred aboard the yacht to assist with the passage to Baltimore.
The lifeboat and yacht were underway by 2.12 pm and reached Baltimore Harbour, the nearest safe and suitable port, at 3.20 pm.
Yacht Secured in Baltimore
RNLI volunteers helped the skipper and crew secure the yacht alongside the pier before the lifeboat returned to station at 3.42 pm.
The six volunteers aboard the lifeboat were Coxswain Aidan Bushe, mechanic Michael Cottrell and crew members Jerry Smith, Eoin Ryan, Ollie O'Mahony and Maria Coleman.
Conditions during the call-out were relatively calm, with a north-westerly Force 5-6 wind and a one-metre swell.
Falling Tide Posed Risk
Speaking after the call-out, Baltimore RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Kate Callanan said the skipper had been right to seek assistance promptly.
"The skipper did the right thing in calling for immediate assistance as the keel of the yacht was wedged on the rock and there was a danger of the yacht falling over as the tide continued to drop," she said. "Should you get into difficulty at sea, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."
