An 18 metre fishing boat that suffered propeller failure 27 miles south of Ballycotton yesterday (Wednesday, 15 February) was brought to safety by a lifeboat crew from Ballycotton RNLI.

Ballycotton RNLI Lifeboat The Douglas Aikman Smith was requested to launch by Valentia Coast Guard at 1.20 pm to a fishing boat that had suffered difficulties due to marine debris that had become wrapped around the propeller.

Winds of force 3-5, with two metre swell and heavy rain meant visibility was poor and conditions difficult. Once the crew had located the stricken vessel and had confirmed all crew were safe and well a secure tow line was established. Towing at a speed of six knots Ballycotton RNLI and the fishing boat returned to Ballycotton at 7.45pm. Once tied up and the crew were safely on shore a diver was able to remove the ghost net that was wrapped around the propeller.

Commenting on the callout Ballycotton RNLI Coxswain Trevor Devereux said, ‘Thankfully, all six people were wearing lifejackets and had called for help as soon as they encountered difficulties’.

Ghost nets are a major environmental hazard to marine and other wildlife, contributing to an estimated 10% of all marine plastic and causing harm to two-thirds of marine species.

The lifeboat returned to Ballycotton at 7.45pm for wash down and refuel ready for service.

The lifeboat crew were made up of Trevor Devereux as Coxswain, Adam Hussey as Mechanic, Eolan Breathnach as Navigator and Alan Cott, Cíaran Walsh and Michael Kenneally.