Two people rescued by RNLI off the coast of Ballycotton

TWO people were rescued by volunteers from Ballycotton RNLI yesterday, 25 nautical miles south of the seaside town.

The RNLI lifeboat, The Austin Lidbury, was requested to launch by the Valencia Coast Guard shortly after 6.30pm following a request for assistance from the crew of a 24ft power boat on passage from Penzance to Kinsale, which had suffered a mechanical failure.

The Austin Lidbury launched with six volunteer crew members from Ballycotton RNLI on board, arriving on scene at 8.05pm.

After assessing the situation a decision was made to tow the vessel back to Crosshaven. 

It was towed at an approximate speed of 6 knots, and was brought alongside the Port of Cork pontoon at 2am with the assistance of Crosshaven Harbour Master Kieran Coniry.

Commenting on the callout, Coxswain, Eolan Breathnach said: “Thankfully conditions were excellent. Both people were wearing lifejackets and had called for help as soon as they encountered engine difficulties.

“We would advise people to take the correct water safety advice for the activity they are taking part in and to always make sure they have a means of raising the alarm if things go wrong.” 

The volunteer lifeboat crew returned to Ballycotton by 3.15am, and was comprised of mechanic, Adam Hussey, navigator, Síle Scanlon, Mike Kenneally, Adrian Erangey and Áine Flynn.

The RNLI continues to provide an on call 24/7 search and rescue lifeboat service.

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble; Dial 999 or 112 or use VHF radio CH 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.