Kinsale RNLI come to aid of two sailors in difficult weather conditions 

The volunteer crew of Kinsale RNLI came to the aid of two sailors who had gotten into difficulty at sea yesterday.

The station’s inshore lifeboat, Sally Anne (Baggy) II, was requested to launch at 9.26am to go to the immediate aid of the sailors onboard a 25ft sailing vessel which had run into difficulty off Barry’s Head.

The distress alarm was raised by the yacht's crew with the Valentia Coast Guard Marine Co-Ordinating Rescue Centre when they ran into difficulty with a damaged mast.

Kinsake RNLI crew members made their way to the scene south of Barry’s Head, between Nohoval village and Oysterhaven, arriving on scene at approximately 10am.

The lifeboat crew assessed the situation and decided that as the sailors were unable to make any safe onward progress, they needed to establish a tow line to secure the yacht and return the sailors safely to the nearest safe port at Kinsale Boatyard.

Weather conditions were described as difficult at the time with a 2-3m swell, rain and a coastal fog. 

Conditions remained challenging throughout the rescue, Kinsale RNLI said.

Speaking after the call out, Kevin Gould, Kinsale RNLI lifeboat operations manager, reminded the public of the importance of calling 999 or 112 in the event of an emergency.

“Like these sailors rightly did, we would remind everyone of the importance of wearing a lifejacket and a harness where appropriate.

“As the evenings are closing in and winter approaches, also remember to check weather forecasts and tide times before venturing out and if you get into difficulty or see someone in difficulty, call the Irish Coast Guard on 999 or 112.”